how long does it take a dead person to turn gray?

[yellowjacket]

workin in a nursing home yesterday and ran across a old lady that had died in her wheel chair. i was very disturbed and couldent sleep last night, since ive never seen a dead person like that or any other way up till now. not to be morbid, but she was absolutely gray in color. not just pale or white, but dark gray. im wondering if she had been dead long, or if they turn dark gray soon after death? she obviously had died in her chair, and was all contorted with an twisted, open mouth. im thinking shed been dead for a really long time(a day or more??) before they noticed her. nursing homes are notorious for not giving good attention.
any thoughts as far as time goes?

[wilson1010]

People turn gray before they die. Its the lack of oxygen in the blood.

[JHenry]

It could be a poor perfusion issue and definately inadequate oxygenation. Cyanosis or cyanotic refers to a blue-grayish color in the mucous membranes or skin. Possibly blue gave it a hint of darker gray, but I have not witnessed anyone dark gray as of yet.

But as far as time goes, it is absolutely possible to be cyanotic and still be alive, (barely) so I don't think it meant she had passed very long ago.

[yellowjacket]

thanx. i dident know you turn gray BEFORE you die! hopefully ill never have to find out.