17. Taharah for person who died an unnatural death [i.e. drowning, blunt force injury, accident, etc]:

One who fell from [a certain height] and died, is to be buried in the state that he is found [without Taharah or Tachrichin], just as explained regarding a murder victim.[1] [The same applies to anyone who dies tragically due to unnatural causes, such as blunt injury and the like.[2]] This, however, only applies if the person contains open wounds which release blood. If, however, they did not release any blood in the process of their death, such as a drowning victim, or one who died in the cold due to frostbite, they are buried like everyone else, with having their clothing removed, Taharah performed, and garbed in Tachrichin.[3] Furthermore, even if the person died from a blood releasing blunt injury, if a few days have passed since the accident until they pass away, and the injuries have stopped releasing blood, then they are to have the Taharah process performed prior to burial just like anyone else.[4]

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[1] Rama 364:4; Maharil 65

The reason: The reason for all the above is because a person with an open wound which releases blood, needs to have the blood buried with him, and thus we avoid cleaning him and changing his clothing, which would wash away the blood. [Shach 364:11; Taz 364:2; Maharil ibid]

Death due to suicide: See next!

[2] Gesher Hachaim 11; See Nitei Gavriel 48:14 regarding one who died during surgery

[3] Shach 364:11; Taz 364:2; Bach 364; Maharil ibid regarding falling from roof; Chochmas Adam 157:12; Kitzur SHU”A 197:12; Gesher Hachaim 11; Darkei Chesed 13:3; Nitei Gavriel 48:6-7

The reason: If there is no releasing of blood, there is no reason to avoid the Taharah as is done for a regular person who passed away. [Poskim ibid]

Other customs: Some are accustomed to burying drowning victims in the clothing that they drowned in. Each community is to follow his custom. [Chochams Adam ibid; Kitzur SHU”A ibid]

[4] Shach 364:11; Taz 364:2 [negates custom to bury Yoledes in her clothing even if many days passed]; Bach 364; Gesher Hachaim 11 [see there regarding if he was murdered]; Darkei Chesed 13:4