20 Death Announcement Examples for a Friend
Simple, respectful death announcement messages to help you share the news with clarity and care.
Losing a friend can feel disorienting. A friend may have shared daily conversations, long histories, or quiet moments of understanding. Sharing the news of their death can feel both personal and unexpectedly difficult.
A death announcement is a short message used to inform others that someone has died. In the UK, it is often referred to as a death notice. Its purpose is to communicate the fact of the death clearly and respectfully, without including personal reflections or detailed memories.
For many people, a death announcement is the first step — shared before fuller details or a longer obituary are prepared. The examples below are designed to help you choose wording that feels appropriate for your circumstances and audience.
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.
Our friend has passed away. Funeral details will follow shortly.
We confirm that our friend has died. Further information to follow.
Our friend has died recently. Arrangements will be shared soon.
We are informing you that our friend has passed away. Details to follow.
Our friend has passed away peacefully. Service information will be confirmed shortly.
We regret to share that our friend has died. More details will follow.
Standard Death Announcement Examples
A slightly fuller message, suitable when you want to share a little more detail.
We share the news that our friend has passed away recently. Funeral arrangements will be announced once they are confirmed.
Our friend has died after a short illness. We will provide further details about the service in due course.
We are informing friends and colleagues that our friend has passed away. Information about the funeral will follow.
Our friend has died. We will update everyone with service details as soon as arrangements are agreed.
We confirm the passing of our friend. Details regarding the funeral will be communicated when finalised.
Our friend passed away peacefully this week. We will share funeral information once plans are 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.
Notice is given of the death of a friend, who died recently. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
It is announced that a friend has passed away. Details of the service will follow when confirmed.
Formal notice is hereby given of the death of a friend. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be provided shortly.
The passing of a friend is confirmed. Service details will be communicated once arrangements are finalised.
Death Announcement Examples with Funeral Details
These examples focus only on sharing arrangements and practical details.
The funeral service for our friend will take place on Tuesday 14 June at 11.00am at St Andrew’s Church, Leeds. All welcome.
A service for our friend will be held on Friday 22 July at 2.30pm at Greenfield Crematorium, Bristol. Family flowers only.
The funeral of our friend is scheduled for Monday 5 September at 10.15am at Riverside Chapel, Norwich. Donations in lieu of flowers.
A service for our friend will take place on Thursday 18 August at 1.00pm at Meadowview Chapel, Exeter. 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 Friend?
Most death announcements are kept brief. It’s enough to share that your friend 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 families share a death announcement first and add funeral details 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 friend was and what they meant to others. Many families 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: