Discusses historical use of psychological autopsy (PA) & its development into a method for examining in depth the psychosocial components of the suicide’s life & death. Compiled PAs from 160 suicides in New Hampshire during a 2-yr period. Survivors’ data indicate 2 recurring themes: suicide’s aftermath involved a human wreckage of unresolved emotional trauma, & interview’s style underwent a metamorphosis & from it emerged a valuable therapeutic tool. 4 case examples illustrate validity.(20 ref)