Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-01244
Owner death — hardware wallet (2024)
BlockedCase description
A 2024 case involved a Florida estate where the deceased had left detailed estate planning documents—a formal Bitcoin inheritance letter, device locations, and a statement that the seed phrase was 'in the red envelope in the safe.' The safe was opened and no red envelope was found. Subsequent investigation determined the safe had been opened and the contents partially reorganised by a family member during the immediate aftermath of the death. The seed phrase had likely been present but was moved or discarded without being recognised as significant by someone unfamiliar with Bitcoin custody. The Bitcoin remained inaccessible.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Owner death |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| Outcome | Blocked |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2024 |
| Country | United States |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
There was only one way in. When that path was gone, so was access. Access was not recoverable.
Outcome interpretation
Access was not possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Privately Reported
Evidence type
News article
Related cases involving owner death
119 cases involve owner death
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.
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