Question: how to respond when someone says they had a death in the family?
Answer: Acknowledge the person's death. When you are searching for what to say when someone dies, don't be afraid to state what a terrible thing it is to have happened. ... 
Be empathetic. ... 
Be specific. ... 
Talk about the person who's died. ... 
Express your own sadness. ... 
Accept anger. ... 
Keep in touch. ... 
Break your fear of upsetting someone.