20 Death Announcement Examples for a Colleague
Simple, respectful death announcement messages to help you share the news with clarity and care.
Losing a colleague can feel unexpectedly personal. Whether you worked closely together or simply shared the same workplace, their absence can leave a noticeable gap in daily routines and professional life.
A death announcement is a short message used to inform others that someone has died. Its purpose is to share the news clearly and respectfully, without personal reflection. In the UK, it is sometimes referred to as a death notice.
In many cases, a death announcement is the first step — shared before fuller details or a longer obituary are provided. The wording can vary depending on whether the message is internal, public, or workplace-specific.
There’s no right way to approach these examples — you may find that only one or two feel right for you.
Names are optional in death announcements. These examples are written without names, making them easy to adapt to your own situation.
Short Death Announcement Examples
Brief wording often used for quick sharing or initial notifications.
We are sorry to confirm the death of our colleague. Further details will follow.
It has been confirmed that our colleague has passed away. Details to follow.
We share the news of the passing of a valued colleague. Information to follow.
Please note the passing of our colleague. Arrangements will be shared shortly.
Our colleague has died. Further communication will follow in due course.
We confirm the death of a colleague. Additional details will follow soon.
Standard Death Announcement Examples
A slightly fuller message, suitable when you want to share a little more detail.
We are writing to inform you of the death of our colleague. We will share further details once arrangements have been confirmed.
It is with regret that we confirm the passing of our colleague. Our thoughts are with their family at this time.
We wish to inform staff of the death of our colleague. Further information will be communicated when available.
We are saddened to share that our colleague has passed away. Support information will be provided separately.
This message confirms the death of our colleague. Additional updates regarding arrangements will follow in due course.
We regret to inform you that our colleague has died. Further details will be shared when confirmed.
ℹ️ Unsure If You’re Saying the Right Thing?
If you’d like a little more reassurance, our guide explains what a death announcement is, what it can include, and how others approach sharing sad news.
Read: Death Announcement Messages – Thoughtful Ways to Share Sad News
Formal Death Announcement Examples
More traditional wording, often preferred for formal or printed notices.
The organisation announces the death of a colleague. Further information regarding arrangements will be communicated in due course.
It is announced that a colleague has passed away. Details of arrangements will be provided when confirmed.
The company confirms the death of a colleague. Updates concerning arrangements will follow as appropriate.
Notice is given of the passing of a colleague. Additional details will be issued once confirmed.
Death Announcement Examples with Funeral Details
These examples focus only on sharing arrangements and practical details.
The funeral service for our colleague will take place on Tuesday 14 May at 2:00 pm at St Mark’s Church. All welcome.
A service for our colleague will be held on Friday 10 June at 11:30 am at Greenfield Crematorium. Family flowers only.
The funeral for our colleague is scheduled for Monday 22 July at 1:15 pm at Riverside Chapel. Donations in lieu of flowers.
A memorial service for our colleague will be held on Thursday 3 August at 3:00 pm at City Hall. Private burial to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a death announcement?
A death announcement is a short message used to inform others that someone has died. Its purpose is to share the news clearly and respectfully, without going into personal details or reflections.
Is a death announcement the same as an obituary?
No. A death announcement focuses on sharing the fact of the death and, sometimes, practical details. An obituary is usually written later and reflects on who the person was and their life story.
Is a death announcement also called a death notice?
Yes. In the UK, a death announcement is often referred to as a death notice. Both terms are commonly used and generally mean the same thing.
How much should I include in a death announcement for my colleague?
Most death announcements are kept brief. It’s enough to share that your colleague has died and, if appropriate, whether any arrangements are known. You don’t need to say everything at once.
Do I need to include funeral details straight away?
No. Many announcements are shared first, with funeral details added later. It’s completely acceptable to say that details will follow when arrangements are confirmed.
🕊️ When You’re Ready to Share More
A death announcement helps inform others of the loss.
An obituary is different — it offers space to reflect on who your colleague was and what they meant to others. Many people choose to write an obituary later, once the initial announcement has been shared.
If and when you feel ready, you may find these obituary examples helpful: