Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an inherently challenging process for families. Compounding this grief are third-party websites operating in Ontario that are reportedly reposting obituaries without the consent of the grieving families. These websites often capitalize on such emotional losses to profit by selling memorial items, such as flowers and candles, purportedly in memory of the deceased. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) has raised concerns about these practices, emphasizing that many families are unaware that their loved one’s obituary has been shared elsewhere. This lack of consent and awareness adds another layer of pain during an already difficult time.
The BAO published a notice highlighting the unethical practices of these websites, noting how they mislead families by profiting from republished death notices. The items sold on these platforms may appear to be tributes arranged by the families, but, in reality, the families receive no financial benefit and often find out about the unauthorized reposting only when encountering it online. The BAO has called attention to this issue in an operational effort to protect grieving families and to prevent exploitation in their moments of vulnerability.
A notable example is the website Afterlife.co, which was subjected to a federal court ruling in 2019 requiring it to pay $20 million in damages. This legal action stemmed from revelations that the company profited from reposted obituaries and accompanying photographs. Following the ruling, Afterlife shut down, but the concerns surrounding similar operations have resurfaced with the emergence of Echovita. This newer site appears to engage in comparable practices, raising red flags among grieving families already navigating their loss.
Further investigation revealed that Echovita is linked to Paco Leclerc, who was also associated with Afterlife as a director during the time of the 2019 court ruling. This connection has prompted skepticism regarding Echovita’s intentions and practices. Many families have shared distressing experiences on platforms like Reddit, reporting that they discovered their loved one’s obituaries on Echovita shortly after posting them elsewhere. One user recounted the removal of family names from their deceased father’s obituary, while another lamented finding an inaccurate version of their loved one’s death notice online, saying it left them feeling unwell.
In light of these disturbing occurrences, the BAO has urged the public to exercise caution when interacting with online obituary sites. They recommend verifying any obituaries before purchasing memorial gifts, directing individuals to rely solely on notices posted on funeral home websites that are licensed by the BAO. To confirm a funeral home’s legitimacy, individuals should look for the “Licensed by the BAO” badge displayed on the homepage of the funeral home’s website or contact the establishment directly for verification.
By raising awareness and encouraging families to be vigilant, the BAO aims to mitigate the emotional impact of such unauthorized practices. The rise of platforms like Echovita underscores the necessity for families to remain informed and cautious during their grieving process, ensuring that they do not inadvertently support businesses that exploit the memories of their loved ones for profit.
