''The rate at which Rigor Mortis sets in will depend on several factors such as the person's physique, cause of death and the environment, whether warm, cold, dry, or wet. Different sources give different figures, but very broadly and in 'average' circumstances it begins about 3 to 4 hours after death and becomes complete in about 12 hours''
After sleeping by my husbands bedside for nights, knowing the time was near, I fell asleep about 3am and when I woke at 7am he had died and was cold, but rigor had not set in. The doctor came at 8.30 and his joints were still flexible, so I do not know if there is a definitive answer?
mamyalynne, I was so sorry to read about your husband, I don't know how long ago he died but I would like to offer my sincere condolences, you gave me some lovely words of comfort when I was going through my breast cancer last year. Love Kath. XX
Hi Kitty, thanks for your sentiments- its 18 months since he died. I have a few more good days now but still tough. Late at night when sleep won`t come are hardest and of course that is when I posted my reply above.
Dinger2 please accept my apologies for changing your perfectly simple question into an emotional vent for me. ♥