When a person dies outside of PK in Nexus, their character becomes a ghost. When this happens, a small number of items from their inventory are dropped on the floor beneath them. This is called a Deathpile. A Deathpile will remain protected for a short while after it is dropped, preventing anyone else from stealing the items. Only people who are currently grouped with the dead person, AND were grouped at the moment when the person died are able to pick up the deathpile.
Note: Deathpiles are now extinct. Players no longer lose items or money upon death.