Canton and Stark County, Ohio
Cleanup after a suicide in Canton
We are sorry for your loss. Nobody in the family should have to clean the room. An independent cleanup company can do it quietly and with care, whenever you are ready.
Lines answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Take your time
There is no need to decide everything today
Close the door to the room. Police and the coroner's office will finish their work first. After that, the call can wait until you have the energy for it.
When you do call, you can describe what happened in a few words. You will only be asked what is needed to arrange the work.
What to expect
How the cleanup usually goes
A short visit
The company looks at the room and tells you what has to be removed.
Your belongings
Tell them what to save. Items that can be cleaned are cleaned; others are removed with your agreement.
The cleanup
The room is sealed off while the work is done. You do not need to be there.
Afterwards
Ask them to walk you through what was removed, so there are no surprises when you go back in.
Support
People you can call
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988, or chat online. Available 24/7/365, and conversations are confidential.
Source: 988lifeline.org
Stark County Coroner's Office
Investigates cause and manner of death in reported cases under its jurisdiction. 3053 Cleveland Ave. SW, Canton. (330) 451-1366, weekdays 8:30 to 4:30. After hours the line forwards to the Sheriff's Office, and an investigator is on call 24 hours a day.
Source: Stark County Coroner's Office
Your own doctor
Grief after a suicide can be heavy. A family doctor can help you find counseling close to home.
Questions
Common questions
Do I have to be there during the cleanup?
No. Many families hand over a key and come back when it is done.
Will neighbors know what the company is there for?
Ask the company whether they can arrive in unmarked vehicles.
Can Ohio's crime victim program help?
The program covers crime victims, so it usually does not apply after a suicide. Homeowner insurance sometimes does. Ask your insurer.
Stark County
Canton and nearby towns
The line takes calls from Canton and these towns. Each page lists the ZIP codes covered.
When you are ready
One call, no pressure to decide on the spot
Some people call within the hour. Others wait until the funeral is over. Either is fine. Keep the affected room closed until then and leave the cleanup to people with the right equipment.
Talk it through with someone now
You reach an independent cleanup company that covers your ZIP code. Ask what they would do, how they price it and when they could start. You decide whether to go ahead.
Call (330) 555-0163Lines answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The call-routing service may record calls. How that works: referral disclosure, privacy policy.