If the key is gone, effectively so is the data. There really is no way to get it back. With 256 bit AES encryption, without the key, it cannot be retrieved. Yes, the data on iCloud is encrypted with the same Key. But since the owner is dead, and only he knows the passcode, there is no way to re-create the key.
I knew that.
Yes, the data on iCloud is encrypted with the same Key.
I did not know that, thanks for the info.
But since the owner is dead, and only he knows the passcode, there is no way to re-create the key.
Right, or more specifically no way to extract it from the HW where it is stored.