Family’s fury as Apple ‘refuses to unlock iPad containing dying wishes of tragic cancer teen
Liam Wright died aged just 18, after battling a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma
THE family of a much-loved teen who died after battling cancer claim Apple refuses to unlock his iPad containing his funeral wishes and memories.
Liam Wright, from Middlesborough, died aged just 18, after battling a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma in December last year.
Three months after Liam's tragic death, his sister Kerry Lamb revealed her family's battle to retrieve precious photos and videos of him after Apple allegedly would not assist them, Gazette Live reported.
She said they were forced to go ahead with his funeral arrangements - not knowing what he wanted -after they were unable to unlock the device containing his wishes because of a software update.
Kerry, who claims Apple didn't help, said: "The funeral directors were coming and we knew Liam had put notes on his iPad about his funeral.
"We wanted to see if there was anything written on there about what he wanted.”
Liam’s mum Jane bought the iPad for her son several years ago and it was registered under his name.
His sister Kerry said: “It has lots of photos and videos on it. It went into activation lock on December 5.
"By that point, Liam was too poorly to speak to tell us the code so we contacted Apple.
“He was the only one who knew the code so we needed Apple to unlock it."
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The family claim they contacted Apple but were told they would need to send a death certificate and solicitor's letter which cost them £120.
Kerry said: “They are saying it’s not the relevant information and they now want a court order costing us £360.
“All we want is the photos and videos. It’s just ridiculous.
"I know they have data protection rules but we were even able to close his bank account with the death certificate."
Liam was diagnosed after pulling ligaments in his leg when he sustained a football injury.
It appeared he was getting better, but he received the devastating news that the cancer was terminal.
Liam died at home surrounded by his close family and leaves behind his mum, sisters, Kerry and Kirsty and nieces and nephews, Sean, Tyler and Aisha.
The Sun Online has contacted Apple for comment.
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