The ‘perfect way to die’ in North Dakota

The ‘perfect way to die’ in North Dakota 
CBS KX News, Bismarck, ND; by Brendan Rodenberg; 10/27/24 
Death is not something people tend to look forward to at the end of their lives, but it is important to discuss nonetheless — and while many have ideas of how they would like to pass away, these vary immensely across America. This begs the question: How would North Dakotans like to spend their last moments?  ... [An insurance poll that surveyed 3,000 people from across the nation indicated]  that the perfect death for a North Dakotan would be to pass while hiking White Butte, the state’s highest point. ... The survey also delved deeply into other aspects of one’s last moments, including those surrounding them and what occurs after the moment of death. Below is a list of the most prevalent takeaways from this part of the study.

• When asked about who they would want by their side in their final moments, 50% of respondents said they would prefer to be surrounded by friends and family, while 19% instead wanted the presence of one special person. 13% also showed interest in having their pets present.
• 27% of the polled Americans said they would want to spend the last hour of their lives laughing, embracing the joy and humor of existence, while 24% would instead enjoy a moment of calm. Another 22% hoped their journey to death would be more spiritual, and focus on peace and closure above all else.
• 31% of North Dakotans would like to have the end of their life celebrated with a massive party of some sort, while 29% opted for a quiet memorial instead. Another 15% showed interest in celebrating with a tree-planting ceremony, suggesting growth, life, and a lasting legacy.