HT201441 If the previous end-user passed away suddenly and did not leave the password word with anyone, how then can the device be wiped?

Question

My company issues iPads to certain staff for their line of work.  If the previous end-user passed away suddenly and did not leave their iCloud password word with anyone, how then can the device be wiped.  Currently we cannot turn off the iCloud, change the user, update the iOS, nor update our apps.  Can the local Apple Store assist in some way?

Answer 1

I think Winston hit the nail.  I imagine the issue is you allowed the person to set up personal and private accounts on the device, not corporate controlled accounts.  As such, regardless of your ownership of the device, Apple will not release or change personal or private account-related information to you.
Whether they would or not to a direct family member, I do not know, but I highly doubt they will (or legally can) do so to you as the employer for a personal account.
I know such instances have come up in the past with things like company phones and such, both involving Apple as well as other companies.  The reported results in news articles were always that private information is private, and if companies want access or control, then they need to restrict employees use to only corporate provided accounts and services.