ABSTRACT
A patient Steven, a 17-year-old completing his ®nal year at school, was referred for
help in dealing with the abrupt death of an older brother. His 20-year-old brother,
Rick, who had been a student living in digs at the time, was hit by a car while
crossing an intersection. Family members including Steven rushed to the scene and
found Rick conscious. An ambulance arrived and while other members went with
Rick to the hospital, Steven and an uncle remained at the scene to deal with police
statements. Shortly after his arrival at the hospital, however, Rick slipped into a
coma and lived for a few weeks before his death. Steven was very upset that he
didn't get the opportunity of saying goodbye.
