You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. You'll receive an email within 24 hours explaining what documents are needed to complete your claim.Typically, we require: A copy of the death certificate. Closing a bank account when someone passes away isn't difficult, as long as you have the right paperwork for the the teller or banker. Sub: Request to close an account due to death. In this article, we walk you through all the steps to writing and formatting the letter, including a sample and a template. How Do Bank Closure Letters Work? Sample Letter to Bank Informing the Death of the Account Holder. The death claim letter should be written in the formal letter format.