When you identify a DNA match only to find out they have died

[kiterunner]

This has happened to me twice today, perhaps because I decided to take a break from ancestry and have a look through my matches on My Heritage and FamilyTreeDNA, which I haven't done much with up to now. I managed to figure out how a couple of my DNA matches on those sites were related to me, but instead of sending them messages introducing myself and explaining my relationship to them, I have had to add them to my tree with a death date. Really puts a damper on the excitement of discovery. And so sad reading their obituaries.

I don't know whether this is more likely to happen on those sites than on ancestry or if it's just a concidence?

[Phoenix]

Had it happen to me on Ancestry. And I do wonder, when someone has been a subscriber for many years, but not visited in over a year.

[maggie_4_7]

To be honest that hadn't occurred to me until a few days ago, although the members I sent messages too had all been logged on within 3 months.

But as Pheonix has said I wonder too when they haven't visited for a long time, I like to think they have just lost interest.

[Kit]

I generally think they have lost interest or no longer wish to pay.

That is sad though that they have died Kate. I know you didn't know them but it is hard when you discover a new relative only to find out they are no longer here.

[kiterunner]

According to a feature in the latest issue of WDYTYA magazine, "FamilyTreeDNA has been actively selling its Family Finder test outside the USA longer than any other company. Some early testers are no longer active or have died."