That sounds like bull. Its problably spam or, a money scheme. Ignore it and move on. Even though it sounds like a sad situation it could be a scam. Look at the email sender and see if it was a forward. If so, then you're not the only one this person has hit up for money. Unless you know who its from. It IS out of the question. Dont go giving your money to some stranger who lives somewhere you dont know. Good choice. You're being smart about it.
I'm not trying to be mean but, its spelled Weird.