The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:7) writes that the reason why one should recite the Vidui on Erev Yom Kippur before the meal is that he might choke (heaven forbid) during the meal.
The question is: if he dies (heaven forbid) before the onset of Yom Kippur, what does his confession help, being that seemingly one needs to be in this world in order for Yom Kippur to atone for him? (See the Binyan Yehoshua on Avos De’Rabbi Nosson (25:5), that it is for this reason that it is considered a negative sign for one to passes away on Erev Yom Kippur)
