I'd at least try calling the elite desk and explaining the situation. Many of the call reps will do the best they can for you. Of course, if the first rep seems unhelpful, hang up and try again.
Deep in the fare rules, there's usually a note that change fees are waived if a family member passes away. A note further down indicates that you're charged the change fee if there's an illness in the family. At least I think that's what all this means...
SECTION 1 - WHOLLY UNUSED TICKETS - BEFORE DEPARTURE OF THE OUTBOUND IN THE EVENT OF CHANGES TO TICKETED FLIGHTS BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TKT VALIDITY CHARGE USD 150.00 OR HIGHEST FEE OF ANY CHANGED FARE COMPONENT WITHIN JOURNEY.
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SUBSECTION 1A. - WHOLLY UNUSED TICKETS - BEFORE DEPARTURE OF THE OUTBOUND IN CASES OF DEATH BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TKT VALIDITY IN THE CASE OF DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER - NO CHARGE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ANY CHANGED FARE COMPONENT WITHIN JOURNEY
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SUBSECTION 1B. - WHOLLY UNUSED TICKETS - BEFORE DEPARTURE OF THE OUTBOUND IN CASES OF ILLNESS BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TKT VALIDITY IN THE CASE OF ILLNESS OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER - CHARGE USD 150.00 OR HIGHEST FEE OF ANY CHANGE FARE COMPONENT WITHIN JOURNEY.