When someone dies, it triggers immediate and ongoing pain and sadness. The bereaved look for comfort in the face of such a tragedy, and you must know what to say when someone dies.
We’ve got over 90 sympathy messages for you to use in such a situation.
What to say when someone dies: a spouse
01Dear Marge, I am terribly, terribly sorry for your loss. Patrick was a great guy, one of the most special people I’ve ever met. I am praying for you.
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02My dear Patrick, what unfortunate news; Marge’s passing. I am so, so sorry. I am holding you in my heart right now, and I’m keeping you in my prayers.
03As sad as today is, I believe we can only thank God for the beautiful years he’s allowed us to share with Patrick. We’re the luckiest people in the whole world.
04Dear Marge, Bill and I are greatly saddened by Patrick’s passing. He was the best husband, friend, and neighbor anyone could wish for. You and the kids are in our prayers every day. If you need anything, just ask.
05Pat, I am so sorry for this loss. I could never pretend to know what you’re going through, but I am praying for you. Know that I am here for you, whatever you may need.
06When I heard of your loss, I was terribly hurt, shocked, and saddened. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but you’re not alone. I am holding you in my heart, dear. I am so sorry.
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07It’s never easy to find what to say when someone has passed away, especially when it’s someone you love so dearly. I am keeping you in my prayers.
08Marge dear, I am so, so, sorry to hear about Patrick’s death. My sympathy is with you in this time of grieving.
09Dear Marge, we just received news of your Patrick’s death, and we’re greatly saddened. We’re all standing with you in this difficult time. Stay strong, honey. I know you can do this. Thinking of you.
10Hi Pat, so sorry for your loss. I am still trying to come to terms with Marge’s death myself. I hope you’re staying strong. You’re a fighter; you’ll make it through this. Love you lots.
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11S/he would want you to live a life free of sadness, so smile for her/him.
12My condolences for the parting of such a sacred soulmate.
13In all my years, I had never seen a love as pure as what you two had, and you can continue to cherish.
26I cannot completely understand the emotions you are overcome with now, but know I am here for you.
27I wish you and your family nothing but the best after this immense loss.
28Don’t forget to continue to love in the way they taught you, even though you will miss the love you shared because it was so unique and unmeasurable.
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29If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, s/he will be there, and I’ll be waiting on standby.
30Losing a life partner is nothing easy, but with time it will become just a little bit easier each day; and with each passing day, I will be there to support you.
What to say when someone loses their parent
31Today is such a sad, unfortunate day. I am so sorry for your loss, and I am praying for you. Stay strong.
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32Dear Louise, so saddened by your dad’s passing. I am here for you, whatever you might need. You’re in my heart.
33I know you’ve heard this a hundred times already, but it’s all I can think to say in such a difficult time. Stay strong, Louise. It’s so sad, your dad’s passing. I am so sorry.
34My dear Louise, just heard about your mom. It’s sad, I know, but try to focus on all the blessings and the wonderful memories she left you. She’s in a better place.
35As a person that’s lost someone recently, I know what you’re feeling right now, Louise. I am praying for you, dear.
36Hey Louise, we’re all saddened by this loss. Nothing can replace a parent. We’re sending you our deepest sympathies.
37Dear Louise, your dad’s death has shocked and saddened us to the core. He was a great man, the ideal father, and a magnificent friend. We’ll miss him terribly.
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38Just received the terrible news. I am so sorry, Louise. This loss is such a tragedy. I am here for you. If you ever need anything, just ask.
39It’s so hard to find what to say when someone dies, but I hope I can give you some comfort in your dad’s passing by telling you that he was the best boss I have ever had.
40Louise, no amount of sunshine today can wipe away this tragedy. I am hurting with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
41Hold tight to all the life lessons s/he taught you.
42Remember that you will always be the light that shined brightly in her/his heart.
43Your mother/father would want me to give more than condolences. They would want us to smile in their memory.
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44If it hurts to think of the love you are missing from your (parent) and your chest feels empty from grief, put the memory of their love there to keep you warm during this time.
45You are the angelic gift that set your mother/father’s life ablaze, remember how much you meant to them when you feel alone.
46There will always be a voice that will guide you, and it will be your mother/father. So, listen to it knowing they will always care.
47It was no secret that your mother/father loved you more than anything in the world.
48Never feel alone because s/he will always be there to watch over you.
49I will always be looking out for you, and together we can rehash the good memories that would make your (parent) laugh at our antics.
50This may not make complete sense now, but your (parent) had been suffering, even if it didn’t show. They would never want to put that on you, so it’s best they’ve moved to a place where they don’t suffer any more.
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51Do not give up, child; your mother/father will be watching to make sure you make your dreams come true.
52It is okay to cry at times like these.
What to say when someone dies: a child
53You two are the best parents anyone could hope for. And you’ll make it through this. I am praying for you.
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54My heart is breaking for you and your family. We’re so saddened by your son’s death, my dears. All my sympathies.
55I can’t express well enough how incredibly distraught I am right now. I am so sorry about your boy’s passing. He was such a sweet kid.
56My dear Marge, what tragic news! I can’t make any sense of it. Please stay strong for Patrick and the kids. They need you now more than ever.
57Dear Marge and Patrick, my sympathies for your loss. I will forever remember your son for bringing me lemonade and cookies when I was ill, and for walking my dog every day for a month. He was a wonderful child with wonderful parents.
58Nothing I can say can take away your pain in the wake of this tragedy, dear, but I am here for you. Whatever you might need, just give me a call.
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59Dear Marge, I am so sorry about your son Matthew. Just remember, it’s God will that directs our lives. God gave Matthew to us, and he’s taken him home. He’s in a better place, and although we will forever miss him, God is holding him safe in his arms.
60Dear Marge and Patrick, Jolene and I are terribly hurt by the death of your son Carl. He was a wonderful, special boy. We’re asking God to give you strength during this difficult time.
61This woke me up today, and my heart is breaking for you. Aren’t we the most fortunate people in the world, having loved and known Liam for as long as we did? My deepest sympathies.
72The pain you feel about losing your child will fade with time, and until then be gentle and know we are here for you.
73Condolences for the emotional turmoil you must be feeling after their passing.
74I cannot comprehend such sad times, but I will try to comfort you both as best I can.
75Parents are the most important people in a child’s life, so remember just how important you were to her/him.
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76Lean on me because holding in all the overwhelming emotions from something so tragic is too much for you to bear alone.
77I give my condolences to the dearly departed, but remember the wonderful, kind, generous human being you brought them up to be. You should be tremendously proud.
What to say when someone has lost their sibling
78I have never met someone more down to earth and humble than your brother. His passing is a loss of massive proportions. All my sympathies.
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79I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I hope you find all the strength you need to keep fighting.
80I have no words, absolutely no words for this tragedy. I am just too broken to think. I love you, and I am here for you.
81I have never told anyone this, but Sammy once saved my life when we were out camping in college. I never got to thank him in person, but your brother was my hero.
82Sammy’s passing is so, so sad. I am praying for you, Louise.
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83Dear Louise, I know how much you loved your ‘kid bro,’ Sammy. I am hurting for you right now. Stay strong.
84Hey Louise, all of us at work are praying for you during this difficult time. Take whatever time you need.
85I know nothing can take away the pain that a loss like this brings. So, all I can say is my heart is with you right now, Louise. I am thinking of you.
What to say when someone dies: a good friend
86Dear Christine, I’ve just received news of Art’s death. I know how much he meant to you, and I am so sorry.
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87This is always a lonely time, but I want you to know that I am here for you. You’re not alone.
88Marge and I are just in pieces over Art’s death. He was a funny, interesting, dependable man. We’re praying for you.
89My dear Chris, Art’s death was such horribly sad news. We’re all going to miss him terribly. All our prayers and sympathies are with you right now.
90I like to think that Art will forever be proud of you, Christine. You were the best friend anyone could want. Stay positive, dear.
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91All my life, I have never met someone as curious and as learned, yet as humble, as Art was. I’m so saddened by his passing.
92Dear Christine, when Boris passed last year, Mike and I didn’t think we’d survive it. But our friends kept us going. I hope we can be of some comfort during these tragic hours.
93Nothing can replace Art. I feel cheated by his passing. You have my deepest sympathies.
Concluding thoughts on what to say when someone dies
Finding what to say when someone dies is never an easy thing. It can quickly go wrong when the wrong statement is used, or go very well with the last statement you could expect.
You can count on all of the sympathy phrases above to help you out in the case of a tragedy.
