One thing for sure is that the bank will want to know the specific reasons for the removal request as the next-to-kin. Sample Letter to Bank Informing the Death of the Account Holder.The death claim letter should be written in the formal letter format. : Deletion of name of the deceased shareholder. Sub: Request to close an account due to death. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. It has always been my understanding that if a name is to be removed from a joint account, the account has to be closed and a new account opened. A certified copy of the death certificate of the account holder. I would request the bank to close all the bank accounts at your branch and issue the official check in my name or. Notify Bank of America.