why do people look yellow when they die

People may look yellow when they die primarily due to jaundice, a condition caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment, in the blood. Jaundice occurs when the liver is unable to properly process or remove bilirubin, often due to liver disease or dysfunction. This yellowing can become more noticeable postmortem in individuals who had liver-related illnesses or other conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism. Other factors contributing to a yellow appearance after death include changes in blood circulation after the heart stops, which leads to pooling of blood and fluids in dependent areas. The skin's color change can also be influenced by the breakdown of blood cells and other postmortem chemical changes. Yellowish discoloration may be particularly evident around the eyes and face, as these areas can accumulate fluids and pigments after death. In summary, the yellow color in deceased individuals is usually linked to the presence of bilirubin and jaundice due to liver problems or other underlying health conditions, combined with postmortem changes in blood distribution and tissue chemistry.