This might go against the shock factor of death but as I was reading the 'game release date' thread I started thinking about something that can help new and returning players. When i returned i missed the permadeath disease, apparently I didn't research the forums ENOUGH. I did look over them but i had been gone about a year and thought i covered enough patch notes. I was wrong. Lol. After I saw my character died I went back to the forums and concluded that I Must have been without leanto and got diseased in town and died. I realize the forums, and all the drama involved, are a part of this game but if there was a simple pop up or maybe an npc on recreation telling a player how they died such as your ancestor was the victim of foul play or succumbed to disease. It need not be more specific than that just give a clue where to look. Since this is an ancestor you can charge a fee since they most likely have a bank savings.
Just a thought. The release is trying to attract new and returning players. Harsh realities aside, a bit of info about death could keep away some frustrations and keep a players interest in the game long enough to become educated in the ways of Salem while not diminishing the emotional impact too much.