Sounds at the End of Life: Understanding the 'Death Rattle'

When a person's heart stops beating, they no longer produce any bodily noises like breathing, snoring, or swallowing. Instead, there may be a noticeable absence of sound, followed by a long, low gurgling sound as air from the lungs escapes through the nose and mouth. This sound is often referred to as a "death rattle" and is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat and larynx.