In Basel, unlike on other Cantons, the police examine the body for signs of foul play. When examining David they noticed the bruising on one arm. Fortunately, Nurse Carol was able to quickly explain that he had slipped getting out of bed that very morning. The bruising, cuts and bandaging were the direct result of this. With this explanation the police were satisfied and David’s body was released to the undertaker.
Not long after midday, the grandchildren and the assembled media seemed to disperse as organically as they had come together. While dying in Switzerland is undoubtedly a benefit for those who seek it, the spectacle of travelling to a foreign country to do something as universal as dying can be awkward. That David Goodall was prepared to invite the world into his dying process sets his death apart from most others.
David’s death has changed how assisted dying in Switzerland is viewed. Even the Swiss Medical Association has acknowledged that allowance must be made for those in extreme old age.