How to Find Classmates That Died

Search for online records before you start writing personal letters or making phone calls.

It can be shocking to hear that one of your classmates has passed on. Sometimes you get the news long after the event and are curious about the cause of death. Although you may have lost touch with the person, it's natural to want to find out what happened to your friend. Just remember to be respectful while doing so. Odds are, the friends and family members of your late friend are still feeling the loss, so be sensitive while you're tracking down clues.

Things You'll Need

• Internet

Instructions

1. Search the internet for news articles or public records. You can often get information just by typing someone's name in a search engine. Some websites ask you to pay a one-time fee for public records. Be careful when making payment to a website and stick with government or state websites when acquiring this type of information.

2. Connect with other old classmates. Some of your classmates may have kept in touch with your old friend and may be able to give you some details. Call your high school for an updated phone list if you are unsure of how to contact an individual. You may also want to check networking sites such as Facebook.

3. Check newspaper archives. If you can figure out where your classmate lived before he passed on, you will likely be able to find an obituary. Look online for the newspapers where your friend lived and look for the back issue with the obituary; or contact the newspaper by phone and request a back copy with that particular obituary.

4. Contact friends or family members of the deceased. They may still be grieving, so be careful in your approach. It's wise to write a handwritten letter, especially if you had lost touch with the person. Be sure to give your condolences for their loss before asking for any information. A handwritten letter will convey your purpose and your emotional attachment. Friends or family members might be more willing to provide information if they know that you cared about their loved one and aren't just trying to find something to gossip about.

References

• Letter WRiting Guide: Writing A Condolence Letter

Resources

• Recordsbase: Free Public Records