Announce the employee's death. A Message to the Families of Our Fallen Workers. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. " "We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Please know that I'm here for you if you need anything. Learn how to properly announce the death of an employee's family member, including stepbystep instructions and sample emails or letters. It's absolutely legal. And you can refuse to provide the proof, and the employer can then refuse to recognize it as bereavement leave. We are deeply sorry for your loss. 11. Identifying Navy and Marine Corps Personnel.