How to research the cause of a friend's death?

Question

Had a weird dream so I went online to look up an old friend. Discovered that he died in 2004.

I would like to find out what happened....

Not interested in making contact with the family.

Is there any way I can find out cause of death via public records? If so, how do I go about it?

Answer 1

Yes, you can probably find his obituary online, though after so many years, if you want to read it, you will have to pay a small fee, in most cases. You might try using a public library to view past issues of the local paper in his town or county to find the original obituary. Social Security Death Index may also have him listed, but in most cases, the cause of death is not listed.

Answer 2

See if the local newspaper (where he died) has an olline archive search, you may be able to read either a news story (if an accident) or an obit that gives more details.

If you have the actual date he passed you might be able to search town records - but would almost certainly have to do that in person.