Twitter to Announce Deaths, Send Sympathies and Condolences
Ranked #10,632 in How-To, #110,313 overall
Twitter Allows Us to Share Our Grief, Sympathies and Condolences
This lens started as a way to look at sending ones condolences and sympathies on Twitter. As I was writing the lens on June 25, 2009 and the events of the day unfolded, the lens also became a look at Twitter as a way to find out news, announce deaths and connect people in a time of loss.
In one day we have not only lost Farrah Fawcett, but also Michael Jackson. One is a more anticipated death, the other a sudden unexpected death. These two deaths follow Ed McMachon's slightly more anticipated death earlier in the week. A difficult week marking the passing of three icons of American pop culture.
This week illustrates how Twitter allows people in grief to connect immediately, to share the news, their hopes for a good outcome and then also to share the losses and the sorrow.
Contents at a Glance
- News of Michael Jackson's Death Overloaded Twitter
- Michael Jackson's Death Reported in Real Time Online and On Twitter
- TweetStats on Michael Jackson
News of Michael Jackson's Death Overloaded Twitter

Michael Jackson's Death Reported in Real Time Online and On Twitter
As noted by Dean Takahashi of the Ventura Beat "On Twitter's search function, Michael Jackson and "cardiac arrest" are among the top searches, as is Farrah Fawcett, who also died of cancer today. We're leaving in a real-time world. This is proof."
Within an hour of news of his death several key words for Michael Jackson topped TweetStats. Within four hours he was topping most of the TweetStats.
TweetStats on Michael Jackson

TweetStats from the first few hours and four hours after news of his death.
Twitter Buzzing about Michael Jackson's Cardiac Arrest and Death
- The timeline of Michael Jackson's death, as reported in near real-time
- Pop star Michael Jackson is dead. We know that because the media is reporting developments in the case by the minute.
- Twitter abuzz with speculation after Michael Jackson rushed to hospital
- Comments Blog from the Los Angeles Times reporting Twitter on Overload.
- Michael Jackson Breaks Twitter
- Social networking site Twitter has completely removed their "trending topics" and "search" functions on the site after news of the death of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, as well as Harrison Ford and Jeff Goldblum death hoaxes placed an unseen amount of strain on the social networking site.
- Jackson's death melts servers, causes NitTwits hoax deaths
- The death of pop superstar Michael Jackson has led to a complete meltdown of servers around the world. It's also led to a series of hoax Twitter posts claiming other stars, like actor Jeff Goldblum, have met their fate from LIVENEWS.com.au
- Twitter: The Fastest Way to Get Informed. Or Misinformed
- I spent this afternoon doing what a lot of people did: Watching TV reports about Michael Jackson while also gleaning information from the Web-especially Twitter.
- Jackson sparks celeb death hoaxes - Digital Spy
- The shock news of Michael Jackson's death has sparked online rumours of Jeff Goldblum and Harrison Ford's passings.
RIP Michael Jackson Tweets from Twitter Search
The most recent Tweets about the passing of Michael Jackson.
-
- Hayyyllleeeyy
- @thisisitmovie THE BEST MOVIE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! I LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON. REST IN PEACE <3333333333333
-
- breezycity
- @RDIKULUS: michael jackson had the pleasure of moonwalkin one last time on #rihannasforehead before he passed...rest in peace mj... HAHAHAHA
-
- RDIKULUS
- michael jackson had the pleasure of moonwalkin one last time on #rihannasforehead before he passed...rest in peace mj...
-
- leanne1412
- Michael Jackson seance? FFS let the guy rest in peace!
-
- charlieloveu
- @star_magazine Y can't u & Derek Acorah allow Michael Jackson's family 2live in peace. Let Michael's spirit rest inpeace. Stop these stories
-
- cityscapecity
- RT @mooreskins: #ihate the people that won't let Michael Jackson actually REST IN PEACE!
-
- thetawseyking
- FOR MICHAEL JACKSON MAY YOU NOW REST IN PEACE #michaeljackson http://michaeljackson.sm4.biz/
-
- angymyha
- just voted "Yes - leave him be" on "Should people just leave Michael Jackson to rest in peace?" vote too ➔ http://bit.ly/cv92y
-
- PrinceSsC4MJ
- Michael would not "come" and "speak" through that guy... For heaven's sake, let Michael Jackson rest in peace! This is it
-
- a8nnie
- I just applied the Michael Jackson Rest In Peace twitter background from www.twitter-images.com #twitter-images
-
- cluelessinlife
- "the way you make me feel" ~michael jackson KING OF POP \:d/ \m/ rest in peace...
-
- LADYCENASHAKUR
- THIS IS IT! LOOOOVE IT. MICHAEL JACKSON-SUCH A HUMBLE GUY! REST IN PEACE!
-
- rachelle_3uw
- cannot believe Michael Jackson has gone. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.
-
- emilieeejean
- OMG! that was amazing. rest in peace Michael Jackson.
-
- TyreneBeatina
- I don't why but I can't help watching music videos of Michael Jackson again.. May he rest in peace....
Twitter Breaks News of Farrah Fawcett's Death
I was following Twitter the morning when it was announced that Farrah Fawcett had received her last rites. Over the course of a few hours the tweets went from people wishing her well, hoping she would have a chance to marry long-time companion Ryan O'Neal to news of her death.I head the news first on Twitter, probably within 20 minutes of her passing. News was on Twitter before I saw it on Google News. It was an hour after her death before the news reached a top spot on Google News.
RIP Farrah Fawcett became one of the top trends on TweetStats within 4 hours of her death.
Rest in Peace Farrah Tweets from Twitter Search
The latest Tweets about the Passing of Farrah Fawcett.
-
- chanel_4xdeq6
- Rest In Peace Farrah Fawcett
-
- baselandZak1818
- Rest In Peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Very sad about this. 8-]
-
- Imani5LQYcJ
- Rest in peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett:(
-
- tori_otbkzt
- Rest in peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett:(
-
- NedaBlue1414
- Rest In Peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Very sad about this. ;-)
-
- donna_6uz
- Rest in peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett:(
-
- johnkail
- Rest in Peace Michael Jackson, and Farrah Fawcete...Our Prayers are with your Families... http://tinyurl.com/yfuaokw
-
- DebbieHGlasgow
- I saw on CNN this morning that a 70's icon has passed away. Rest in peace Farrah.... http://tinyurl.com/krp8mh
-
- JosephUStupid17
- Rest In Peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Very sad about this. cool
-
- Blue6565gregory
- Rest In Peace Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Very sad about this. cool
Tweeting RIP Notices on Twitter

Image adapted from Twitter Bird.
In time of Loss Twitter becomes a Place for Sharing Grief and Condolences
Twitter allows people to:
- Share their grief, their losses and their condolences.
- Experience a common loss.
- Follow a breaking story about a death in real time.
Share Your Thoughts on Using Twitter to Announce Deaths and Tweet Sympathies
Twitter Connects During Times of Grief
Perhaps one of the most remarkable outcomes from the new social networking Web 2.0 tools is the ability to connect people instantaneously during times of grief. With applications like Twitter, people are able to send and receive messages almost as they were happening.Twitter and other websites were broadcasting the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett within minutes of the news being reported.
People hear the news and can retweet the news to friends and send their condolences in the growing tweets of sympathy. As noted by Mimi (GrowWear) above, with Twitter "We have no better way of connecting with the family and friends of well-known folks who have passed on."
Share Your Thoughts on Using Twitter with Twitter Storm
Do you tweet condolences, sympathies or RIP messages on Twitter?
I say...
What others are saying...
Twitter Connects People in One Thought
This is one of those rare days that the we all become aware and one in thought.
So odd that three icons passed Michael, Farrah and Ed McMahon.
Marlee Matlin, Twitter
General Information on Sending Twitter Condolences
While it shouldn't be used as the only way of sending condolences, Twitter is a quick and easy way to send a message to someone experiencing a loss that 'You are in my thoughts' in real time, or soon after hearing tragic news.Twitter is also becoming a way for people to share in a common loss and in many cases share a common grief. Twitter allows the famous and the rest of us to share our thoughts, our shock and our grief following a loss.
A Featured Lens on Texting or Emailing Condolences
Another lens looking at a related topic, texting or emailing condolences.-
Can I Send My Condolences by Text, IM or Email?
-
Even in an era of so many different ways of being in touch with people, there are some personal communications, such as condolences or sympathy, that should still be delivered in person or by snail mail. I started this lens to find an answer to the...
Articles on Using Twitter to Send Condolences or Sympathy
- Expressing Condolences, Fears on Twitter
- As transportation officials investigate the cause of the plane crash near Buffalo, people in the area -- and around the world -- are using Twitter to express their condolences, fears and reassurances from the Ahead of the Curve Blog
- Write Technology: Latest Tweets
- Had a death in the family so will not be leading my Twitter session for the eLearning Guild tomorrow.
- Cityfile: Katie Lee Joel Can Always Find Comfort on Twitter
- Using Twitter to Tweet about breakups.
- Twitter Condolences for Liam Neeson
- Squidoo lensmaster Adrienne Jenkins encouraged people to send "Twitter Condolences for Liam Neeson and the Redgrave Family in Fond Memory of Natasha Richardson."
- Twitter, Facebook and MySpace users show support for victims of the Victorian bushfires | News | News.com.au
- AS the death toll climbs Twitter and Facebook have been abuzz with support for communities devastated by the Victorian fires.
- Ed McMahon Reactions...In Today's Twitter-Wood
- Blog post on MTV Movies Blog about tweets for Ed McMahon's death.
- As millions get addicted to Twitter, we ask: Twit or Tweet? | The Sun |Features
- The social networking phenomenon that is Twitter is reshaping the way we communicate.
The Twitter Book in the Amazon Spotlight
The Twitter Book
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 11/07/2009)![]()
O'Reilly and Milstein have provided a user-friendly guide to using Twitter.
More Examples of Sending Condolences in Twitter
Twitter was all a buzz in the Spring following the unexpected death of Natasha Richardson as well. Twitter has also been used to report plane crashes, cover the events in Iran and other global events involving loss.
Tweeting Condolences for Ed McMahon
Ashton Kutcher, Jon Favreau and plenty of others tweeted condolences to Johnny Carson's former "Tonight Show" announcer [Ed McMahon], who died Tuesday June 23, 2009 in Los Angeles.
Brian Warmoth, Movie Blogs
Ed McMahon Condolence Tweets from Twitter Search
-
- telefox
- Ed McMahon ; dead
-
- danof89
- Well, I AM going to start fielding SponsoredTweet endorsements. I think it's okay. . .I mean Ed McMahon used to pitch ALPO during the show
-
-
- uevale7oqkf
- RIP: Television Legend Ed McMahon Passes Away at 86 | Best Week Ever http://tinyurl.com/yaopdml
-
- Jenna5EIq8r
- RIP Michael Jackson, Farrah Facuet and Ed McMahon.. i send my love and prayers to their families Michael Jackson was my inspiration an idolÂ
-
- spanishfortune
- #quote #citar Star Trek? Es que el uno con Ed McMahon y los klingon?
-
- CousinBrandon
- When I was your age, the only stars handed out were by Ed McMahon and a panel of judges. #TwitterFogies #StarSearch
-
- TodaysRiff
- Picklephobia, Rappin' Ed McMahon, bad puns & Michael Jackson is BACK ...in video game form. Today's Riff on tbs.com.
-
- PeggyNoland
- @HunxandHisPunx Can I be on the first episode? Or maybe be your announcer like Rod Roddy or Ed Mcmahon?
-
- latoyao4n
- The Top 10 Ed McMahon McMoments | Best Week Ever http://tinyurl.com/ykfx7ct
The Unexpected Death of Natasha Richardson
Following the initial reports Twitter messages ranged from updates on her conditions to condolences to the family.
Tweeting Condolences to Liam Neeson
Demi Moore, Jane Fonda and US TV star Martha Stewart all posted messages of support for Natasha's family and sent condolences to her husband Liam Neeson.
Nick Francis, The Sun
U.S. Responds to Actress Tragedy
Turning to Twitter Following the Death of Natasha Richardson
- Demi Moore, Jane Fonda And Martha Stewart Pay Tribute To Natasha Richardson - Celebrity Gossip, News & Photos, Movie Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise
- Demi Moore, Jane Fonda and Martha Stewart have all taken to the web to express condolences to the family of Natasha Richardson.
- Stars 'Twitter' over Natasha Richardson's tragic death
- Hollywood stars have publicly expressed their condolences to the family of Natasha Richardson on their 'Twitter' accounts. Demi Moore, Jane Fonda and Martha Stewart have all taken to the online micro-blog site posting sombre messages of support for Natasha's grieving family.
- News - Lindsay Lohan, Meryl Streep Remember Natasha Richardson | Usmagazine.com
- Following her tragic death Wednesday, Natasha Richardson's close friends and colleagues are reflecting on the powerful impact the talented actress had on Hollywood.
Tweets about Natasha Richardson from Twitter Search
-
- arlenamarshall
- Watching maid in manhattan. Kinda emotional seeing natasha Richardson in it. She's one of my fav actresses actually. Rip. X
Featured Lenses on Natasha Richardson
-
Natasha Richardson
-
Natasha Richardson was a talented Tony award winning actress who stared in both film and on the stage. She was the wife of Liam Neeson, daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and Tony Richardson. She was a dedicated AIDS advocate, raising funds to help find a...
-
Natasha Richardson Funeral and Memorial Service
-
When I read Natasha Richardson had passed away from a head injury while skiing, I was shocked. She was only in her forties. Looking for a loving picture to include here of Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson was not difficult. As a couple, Liam Neeson...
-
Natasha Richardson - Organ Donor
-
I have been following to the news about the sudden accident and untimely death of Natasha Richardson and blogging about it in my Grief Edublog. I have been hopeful that the family might be able to see the pain of their own grief to consider giving t...
Supporting Each Other by Twittering Condolences

Part of the appeal of Twitter is the ability to support each other by twittering. The Fail Whale image seemed to work well with one of my favorite grief quotes:
- We are each of us angels with only one wing,
and we can only fly by embracing one another.
Luciano de Crescenzo
Using Twitter to Send General Condolences and Sympathies First
Etiquette still dictates sending a more formal letter of condolence or sympathy after sending the initial tweet, IM or email.
Books on Sending Instant Messages on Amazon
Tweeted Condolence Messages from Twitter Search
-
- angelalalilule
- Send my condolence to my dear friend @deryGW . Be tough dear! I believe your mom gonna happy up there.
-
- backslash28
- @nicdan05 aw sorry to know for what happened to your gold fishy. besides, you do still have 1 gold fishy. oh well, condolence :(
-
- shopmaine
- Maggie Gallagher's Maine Condolence Letter Will Surely Cause You ...: Maine is a liberal state, sure…but a .. http://bit.ly/1UfUHn
-
- Louisa_Jhe
- @deryGW Der, I read your tweets, so I know how much u love ur mom. I can't imagine how sad u are now.. My deep condolence, buddy. Be strong.
-
- iammikey90
- @uniquee__ damn srry to hear that. Send my condolence and feel better.
-
- cityslipper
- @gardenmom29 Condolence tweet suffices. But I confess: I'm psyched. So cool to have a third driver in the house
-
- nikkifuentes
- @rakel22 condolence rakel.
-
- gardenmom29
- @cityslipper i'm sorry...where can i send a condolence card?
-
- tracybyrd
- Would like to send condolence's to Tony and Kris for the whoopin' the Tide is taking right now!
-
- cherbaircfre
- @tjbranham thank you so very much; i appreciate the condolence. blessings to you.
-
- SouthsideStilo
- @OfficialFlite i know dats why i dont think it i know it..and tell yo building i send my true condolence
-
-
- ravrasha
- @anndralina Ahh I know how that is. Knowing that no love after will ever be the same is of no condolence. Time is the only medicine.
-
- babublogger
- PM sent a condolence message to a former bureaucrat's wife. http://bit.ly/ajoS2
-
- 16DeathsPerDay
- Ends his day signing condolence letters
Sharing Twittears = Twitter Tears

Image adapted from Twitter Logo.
Tweets with RIP from Twitter Search
-
- Brookagirl62
- RIP Charles Phillip Hewitt
-
- ScottElias
- I get why Pixar makes DVDs impossible to rip, but some of us w/ kids don't want to buy Wall-E again every time it gets scratched up...
-
- neners7
- ima bout 2 rip this brace off!!
-
- MoonNoir
- Hey girl get on the dance floor, and rip it up yeah... @StaceyBeattie
-
- Planet_Sports
- Zenyatta wins 14th in a row in Breeders' Cup Classic, Oak Tree, Santa Anita, Gio Ponti, Twice Over, Rip Van Winkle,... http://ow.ly/160cfF
-
- _AmbrosiaCVolt_
- @DamonSalvatore1 No problem I wanna rip my ear drums out when I hear his music
-
- brandonh97
- is having fun watching lance rip his kids in half (Chillax)
-
- ashleyxx9
- Rip Pedro&Nelson. Hott Tubb was funn.. Just chylln.. You the best i ever had
-
- OzNewsHound
- ONH Auto News Feed: Teen a hero after double rip rescue - 1:03 PM http://ow.ly/160cb2
-
- emilythungkaew
- At "This Is It." RIP Michael.
Tweeting Sympathy and Condolences

Image adapted from Twitter Birds.
Tweets to Offer Sympathy from Twitter Search
-
- jwriteclub
- @scottporad Sympathy for the Devil
-
- WRGWnow
- Just played: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground - The White Stripes - White Blood Cells(Sympathy for the Record Industry)
-
- umesat
- Listening to 'Sympathy for the Devil' by The Rolling Stones @imeem http://x.imeem.com/17kPmNTiCj
-
- nwoos
- Obama Offers Sympathy and Urges No ‘Jump to Conclusions’ http://bit.ly/1UTom3
-
- EliseIsAwesomer
- If I really made it an effort to care about you, then I'd probably be dead. Because it would take everything I have to show sympathy.
-
- pamela_jayne
- @Chiomzie I know, ppl have no class or sympathy. Sad:(
-
- rosy_lee
- so. very. tired. own fault. would like sympathy anyway.
-
- khaimcbride
- @JWean yeah, I have no sympathy for you...haha
-
- sune_slips
- A Better Movie Song for #Jedward Sympathy For The Devil
-
- Miss_Godzilla
- I needed a kidney transplant desperately, GeneCo showed this single Mom sympathy. #Repo #RepoOpera
Twitter Condolences in the News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byTwitter Sympathy in the News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byThe Twitter Book Kindle Edition in the Amazon Spotlight
Blog Posts about Twitter Condolences
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore Twitter Books on Amazon
Try to Send a Follow Up Note or Card
While sending a quick tweet with your condolences is a way to connect with family and friends at a time of loss, etiquette experts still recommend taking the time to send a sympathy card, note or a formal condolence letter.Obviously in the case of a celebrity death, tweets may be the only way to be in touch and send your condolences.
Tweets are fleeting computer messages. Condolence cards and letters frequently become treasured memories for family members.
It will be interesting to see how our ability to Twitter condolences may ultimately impact or affect the formal etiquette traditions of the past.
More Lenses on Sending Condolences or Sympathies
If your are interested in sending your condolences or sympathies in a more conventional method, visit these lenses for help in sending sympathy notes or condolence letters.-
How to Write a Condolence Letter
-
Finding the right words to write a condolence letter or sympathy note may be challenging, yet the benefits can be immeasurable. A well-written, heart-felt condolence letter is a show of your support and sympathy for the person grieving the death of a...
-
How to Write a Sympathy Card
-
Sending your sympathy following the death of a loved one or a major loss is still best done by sending a hand-written card, a note or a letter. It is estimated that Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually for many different types o...
-
How to Write a Condolence Note or a Sympathy Note
-
Taking a bit of time to write a condolence note or condolence letter can be a great source of comfort and provide a gift of healing for a friend or a loved one who is grieving a loss. According to research by Hallmark, Americans send nearly 125 mill...
Books on Sending Condolences and Sympathies on Amazon
Donate to Kiva
Reader Feedback on Using Twitter to Send Sympathies or Condolences
What do you think about using Twitter to Send Sympathies or Condolences?
24websurf wrote...
I think the use of Twitter to send out condolences is the human need to interact with people feeling the same pain you are. As many of us are finding our closest friends are now on the internet and not our neighbors, it gives us a chance to bang the words out on a keyboard to connect and share our grief with like-minded people. For others who didn't send direct replies to anyone, they may have been just sending prayers out into the Twitterverse hoping someone would say "It didn't really happen. It was a mistake. Someone lied or our sources were wrong." Unfortunately, that did not happen today and people are still reeling from the shock. Whether you liked the people or not, you feel for the families and loved ones. Sorry for such a long response. I guess I needed a place to unload my grief too. Lovely lens and 5*s
Benefiting Kiva
This lens benefits Kiva, he world's first online lending platform connecting online lenders to entrepreneurs across the globe.You can now make a micro loan to an entrepreneur in the United States.
by Comfortdoc
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor...
(more)





















