National Association of Retrospective Fatality Analysts

Putting Suicide Loss Survivors First. Supporting Coroners, Clinicians, and Communities.

Retrospective Fatality Analysis (RFA) is a comprehensive exploration of the biopsychosocial and environmental factors that precede an individual's death by suicide (or other unnatural death).

During our work, we keep the needs of suicide loss survivors front and center. We have added considerable breadth and depth to the psychological autopsy methodology. 

The Retrospective Fatality Analysis process starts with Certified Retrospective Fatality Analysts (C-RFAs) gathering information like medical records, police and coroner reports, personal writings, and social media. They also talk with people who knew the person to better understand their life and what may have led to their death. The C-RFA then brings everything together into a report that helps the loss survivor make sense of what happened and highlights ways to prevent future losses.

Continue scrolling to learn more about the purpose of RFA and when to use it.

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    Suicide Loss

    Every suicide affects more than one person. The impact ripples through families, communities, and entire systems.

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    Exposure

    For each life lost, more than a hundred people may be exposed. Some are forever changed, carrying that loss in lasting ways.

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    Response

    RFA helps survivors understand what happened and helps communities prevent future loss.

Purpose of RFA

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    Clarify What Happened

    Helps loved ones understand the complex factors that led to the death.

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    Support Healing

    Offers survivors a structured way to process grief and make meaning from loss.

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    Guide Prevention

    Informs targeted, community-based suicide prevention strategies.

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    Aid Legal or Clinical Work

    Supports death classification, legal investigations, or clinical insight.

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    Train and Educate

    Used in professional training for mental health, public health, and first responders.

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    Disrupt Contagion

    Helps identify risks and stop potential clusters or spread of suicidal behavior.