Answer:
Hey, *Instructor's name*,
I am so sorry for not turning in the *major project's name* on time. Recently, my *significant person in your life* has been going through some hard times. About *create random time, preferably years* ago, my *significant person in your life* was diagnosed with *insert type of cancer that runs in your family*. *significant person in your life* was doing ok until about *1 year or 6 months ago" when they took a turn for the worst. I have been struggling to stay strong, especially being the oldest of *insert amount of family members*, I have to be strong to keep them strong and positive. About 3 weeks ago, things really started going down hill for *significant person in your life* and we knew that we didn't have much longer until *significant person in your life* would pass away. I have had to focus on family and my *family members/siblings/parents*, as well as my own mental health. For the past 3 weeks, I have been visiting the hospital daily and am the only thing keeping my family from falling apart completely. Devastatingly, *significant person in your life* passed away *insert time around due date of assignment* and I took the time to mourn the loss with my family. Please excuse me if I seem a little off for a while, right now is really just not the best time in my life.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding on this,
*your name*