The appeal was properly dismissed following the father’s death. During the pendency of father’s appeal from the order terminating his parental rights, father’s counsel informed the court of father’s death and filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. The appellate court found the appeal moot and dismissed it. Dismissal served the minor’s best interests by providing finality in the dependency case, enabling the adoption to proceed. Although the minor’s right to veterans’ or other benefits might be affected by dismissal of the appeal, consideration of the minor’s best interests compels a conclusion that the benefits of finality and adoption outweigh any risk she might not receive such benefits.