If you haven't heard from someone in awhile, you may be wondering whether the person is still alive. Perhaps you heard he passed away, but you aren't completely sure. Maybe you just have a feeling. Whatever the reason--thanks to the Internet--it is now relatively easy to find out if someone has died.

  • If you haven't heard from someone in awhile, you may be wondering whether the person is still alive.

Gather all of the information you have about the person in question. Obviously, the more information you have, the easier your search will be. At a minimum, you will at least need the person's name.

Search the Social Security Death Index (see Resources). This free search will inform you if there is a death certificate on file for the individual.

Research public records and obituaries to learn more information. For best results, you will need to know where the person resided to access the appropriate websites.

  • Search the Social Security Death Index (see Resources).
  • For best results, you will need to know where the person resided to access the appropriate websites.

Check a nationwide database if your previous searches do not produce any information. Typically, these sites will provide a limited amount of information at no cost to you. For more detailed information, however, you will be required to pay a fee (usually no more than £32, as of 2010).

Contact a private detective if you are unable to find any information about the individual. If you have a very limited amount of information, then this may be your only option.

WARNING

Be prepared to hear that your loved one is, in fact, deceased. This could be more of an emotional blow than you expect.