How to Write a Hard-News Obituary
OVERVIEW: WHAT A NEWS OBITUARY IS—AND ISN’T
A news obituary is a factual, concise, and objective account of a person’s life, written in the style of a news story. It differs significantly from the sentimental or commemorative obituaries often written by families.
A news obituary:
• Prioritizes newsworthiness over emotion
• Focuses on public significance and verifiable facts
• Uses a journalistic tone (objective, restrained)
• Is structured using the inverted pyramid format
A family or “tribute” obituary:
• Emphasizes personal memories and sentiment
• May include subjective language and praise
• Often lacks prioritization of broader public impact
In short: a news obituary answers the question, “Why did this person matter beyond their immediate circle?”
THE PURPOSE OF A NEWS OBITUARY
A news obituary serves several key journalistic purposes:
1. To inform the public of a death
2. To document a life of significance
3. To place that life in historical, cultural, or community context
4. To preserve an accurate public record
Not everyone receives a news obituary. Typically, they are written for:
• Public figures
• Community leaders
• Individuals connected to significant events
• People whose lives reflect broader social or cultural themes
THE STRUCTURE: INVERTED PYRAMID
Like a standard news story, a news obituary follows the inverted pyramid structure:
1. Lead (Most Important Information)
2. Key Details and Context
3. Chronological Life Story
4. Additional Details and Background
WRITING THE LEAD
The lead is the most important part of the obituary. It should immediately establish:
• Who the person was
• Why they were significant
• When they died
• Age at death
• Cause of death (if appropriate and confirmed)
Formula for a Strong Obituary Lead:
Name + identification + significance + death details
Example:
Jane Smith, a pioneering civil rights attorney who argued several landmark cases before the state supreme court, died Tuesday in Little Rock. She was 78.
Notes:
• Include cause of death only if confirmed and relevant.
• Avoid vague language like “passed away” — use “died.”
• Focus on what made the person newsworthy, not just their occupation.
THE NUT GRAPH: WHY THIS PERSON MATTERS
After the lead, expand on the individual’s significance:
• What were their major accomplishments?
• What impact did they have?
• Why would readers care?
Example:
Over a four-decade career, Smith helped dismantle discriminatory housing practices and mentored a generation of attorneys across Arkansas.
This section clarifies the person’s legacy in concrete terms.
THE BODY: TELLING THE LIFE STORY
After establishing importance, move into a chronological narrative of the person’s life.
Key Elements to Include:
Early Life
• Birth date and location
• Family background (brief)
• Education Career
• Major positions and roles
• Achievements and milestones
• Notable contributions
Personal Details (Selective)
• Marriages, children (if relevant)
• Affiliations, memberships
• Personal traits (supported by evidence, not opinion)
USING QUOTES EFFECTIVELY
Quotes can add depth and credibility, but they must be used carefully.
Good Sources for Quotes:
• Colleagues
• Public officials
• Experts
• Previously published interviews
Example:
“She changed the legal landscape for everyone who came after her,” said former colleague Robert Hayes.
Avoid:
• Overly emotional or vague quotes
• Statements that cannot be verified
TONE AND LANGUAGE
A news obituary must maintain a neutral, professional tone.
Use:
• Clear, direct language
• Verifiable facts
• Specific details
Avoid:
• Sentimental phrasing (“beloved,” “cherished”)
• Euphemisms (“passed away,” “went to be with the Lord”)
• Unverified claims
Example of Strong vs. Weak Writing:
Weak:
He was a wonderful man who touched many lives.
Strong:
He founded a free community clinic that treated more than 10,000 patients annually.
WHAT TO INCLUDE—AND WHAT TO LEAVE OUT
Include:
• Full name (and commonly used name)
• Age at death
• Date and place of death
• Major accomplishments
• Career highlights
• Public impact
Include (if relevant):
• Cause of death (confirmed)
• Awards and honors
• Key controversies (handled objectively)
Leave Out:
• Excessive family details
• Religious or spiritual claims (unless newsworthy)
• Flowery descriptions
• Inside jokes or personal anecdotes
ENDING THE OBITUARY
Unlike feature writing, a news obituary does not need a dramatic ending. It often concludes with:
• Survivors (immediate family)
• Funeral or memorial information (brief, if included)
Example:
She is survived by her husband, two daughters, and four grandchildren. A public memorial service will be held Saturday in Little Rock.
REPORTING AND RESEARCH
A strong obituary depends on solid reporting.
Sources to Consult:
• Family members (for basic facts)
• Official records
• Previous news coverage
• Colleagues and associates
Verify:
• Dates
• Names (spelling matters)
• Titles and positions
• Claims of achievement
Accuracy is especially important—obituaries become part of the historical record.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
1. Burying the lead Don’t start with minor details—lead with significance.
2. Being overly sentimental Maintain journalistic objectivity.
3. Listing without prioritizing Not all details are equally important.
4. Including unverified information If you cannot confirm it, leave it out.
5. Overloading with family information Focus on public life and impact.
SAMPLE OUTLINE
Headline:
Jane Smith, Civil Rights Attorney Who Argued Landmark Cases, Dies at 78
Lead: Who + significance + death details
Nut Graph: Why she mattered
Body:
• Early life and education
• Career highlights
• Major achievements
• Quotes from colleagues
Ending:
• Survivors
• Funeral information (optional)
FINAL TIPS FOR STUDENT JOURNALISTS
• Think like a reporter: What makes this life newsworthy?
• Prioritize: Put the most important information first
• Be precise: Details matter more than adjectives
• Stay objective: Let facts—not feelings—carry the story
• Revise carefully: Errors in an obituary are especially serious
A well-written news obituary does more than announce a death—it documents a life with clarity, accuracy, and purpose, ensuring that the individual’s contributions are preserved in the public record.