Life can change in an instant. The sudden death of Edward P. “Ed” Gilligan, the 55-year-old former president of American Express shocked the world. Gilligan became ill mid-flight traveling from Tokyo to New York. Although the pilot scheduled an emergency landing in Green Bay, Wisconsin --- Ed passed away before they could land. The former AMEX President left behind a wife and four children, reminding us that tragic loss impacts families deeply, regardless of financial status or success.
When a spouse suddenly dies, it is easy to overlook some basics when your world has been turned upside.
Calling HR
One call you do not want to delay is to notify your spouse’s employer. Why? Because it could lead to meaningful financial support you did not even realize was available. Also, they may need to wind down their professional practice or hand off other tasks that people were depending on your deceased loved one to complete.
First, you can start by gathering any documentation you may have: a pay stub, offer letter, and ideally, the spouse’s HR contact. The employer will likely talk with you about:
- Group life insurance
- Any final paychecks, commissions, or bonuses
- Retirement accounts/pensions
- Grief support services
Be aware that it is important to file for benefits promptly or you could miss the window for some benefits. You may also consider documenting your compliance with deadlines by making a paper trail of your communications.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Letting others support you in a time of need is not only okay – it is a blessing both ways.
There is a quiet generosity in receiving help – just as much as offering. Whether it is a close friend who wants to help with logistics or a professional who can take a few burdens off of your plate, every act of support lightens the emotional load you are carrying and gives others a sense of purpose during your time of grief.
Practical Challenges
When a spouse passes away unexpectedly while traveling – whether on a plane, in another city, or abroad – families may face a variety of roadblocks beyond the emotional toll. Following Ed Gilligan’s sudden death, his corporate flight made an emergency landing. From there, his staff coordinated with the family to make arrangements to transport his body back home. This scenario adds a layer of critical logistics during an already stressful time such as:
- Coordinating transportation of the body
- Complying with local laws and regulations
- Arranging a funeral or planning a memorial
- Managing family travel
- Handling urgent communications across time zones
Being aware of these potential obstacles and considering contingency planning is a key part of the estate planning process.
Checklist for Sudden Deaths
- Notify Family and Friends
- Build a support network and begin coordinating your immediate needs.
- Contact A Funeral Director
- Obtain Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate
- Locate Existing Estate Documents
- Update Your Own Estate Plan Immediately
- Inventory Assets and Debts
- Prioritize Children’s Financial Security
Review college savings, insurance, bank accounts, and trusts (if applicable) to ensure their future is protected given these new circumstances.
- Review and Secure Digital Assets
Identify your spouse’s online accounts, subscriptions, and digital property (like photos, domain names, or crypto) and secure access.
- You are not meant to carry this alone. Contact Collins Family & Elder Law Group
Be Gentle with Yourself
Grief can be disorientating. There is no rule that all of these items need to be completed in one or even one week. The sudden passing of Ed Gilligan reminds us that no one gets to schedule tragedy. But what makes a difference is how prepared you can be before it does. By taking steps to update your existing estate plan, or even tackling estate planning for the first time does not need to be overwhelming.
Because in the end, you cannot control the timing – but you can control the plan.
If you are in need of assistance, the attorneys at Collins Family & Elder Law Group can help.
