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Catherine’s story: From loss to legacy
Types of loss:
- Friend loss, Career loss, Identity loss
Some losses break your heart — others change your path entirely. For Catherine Ashton, founder of Critical Info and host of the Don’t Be Caught Dead podcast, two back-to-back life events cracked her world wide open: a serious car accident in 2019 and the unexpected death of a close friend in 2023.
The physical trauma and long recovery forced Catherine to re-evaluate her identity, priorities, and capacity. Just as she was rebuilding, her friend’s sudden passing exposed a painful reality: they weren’t prepared. The absence of plans, documents, and clear wishes left behind a wake of stress, decisions, and grief for the family — and it didn’t have to be that way.
This is Catherine’s story, in her own words:
Watch below as Catherine shares her lived experience of losing not just a loved one — but also a sense of who she was — and how she has reclaimed meaning by sharing knowledge and transforming pain into purpose.
Catherine’s story reminds us that death doesn’t just take lives — it can upend identities, families, and futures. But with the right tools, support, and conversations, we can reduce suffering and approach the end of life with clarity, confidence, and care.
Critical Info exists because Catherine didn’t want others to face what she did — and she believes that by planning now, we can leave more room for grief, love, and healing when it matters most.
About Critical info
Visit the Critical Info website to learn more about their end-of-life planning and management resources: https://criticalinfo.com.au/
Listen to the Don’t be caught dead podcast: https://criticalinfo.com.au/podcast/
Support resources
If you’re grieving, you don’t have to face it alone.
The following resources can help you find support, connect with others who understand, and explore practical tools for living with grief.
- Griefline helpline – free support, 365 days a year, call 1300 845 745
- Griefline online forums for peer-to-peer support and connection
Crisis and emergency support
Griefline is not a crisis-support or emergency support service
If you are in an emergency situation or are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, please call 000.
If you are experiencing crisis, or are worried about yourself or someone else, please contact Lifeline by phoning 13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14
Kids Helpline is available 24/7 to support young people aged between five and 25, call 1800 551 800
If you are experiencing crisis, or are worried about yourself or someone else, please contact Lifeline by phoning 13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14
Kids Helpline is available 24/7 to support young people aged between five and 25, call 1800 551 800
