Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. There are various possibilities for the blood and mucous found when your mother-in-law was found dead. It could have been hematemisis , i.e. vomiting of blood from the upper gastro-interstinal tract (e.g. esophagus tears or varices or large stomach ulcers or erosions). It is also possible that it could have been a massive hemoptysis , i.e. coughing up of blood from the lungs (e.g. bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, lung abcess, etc.). There is also the possibility of a suicidal attempt by consuming a corrosive poison. Heart attack or pulmonary edema is unlikely to present with bringing up of large amounts of blood. However, a pulmonary artery aneurysm (ruptured) can be a possible cause. I understand that you are very distressed and confused regarding her sudden death. But without an autopsy, these possibilities would just be speculations. So, I would suggest that you try to gain a closure on this matter as early as possible so that you can put your mind to rest. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist