Recognize what makes this moment difficult
Acknowledge the event directly without turning it into a lesson, comparison, prediction, or silver lining. For a message about how to tell a child that a family pet died, use this factual base: lead with the confirmed event, what it changes, who already knows, and any practical next step.
Offer support that can be accepted
Offer one specific form of practical or emotional support and make clear that no immediate reply is needed. Say what support or decision is needed now and make clear when no response is required. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Follow their pace rather than yours
Do not hide the central fact behind a long preface, speculate, or offer reassurance you cannot support. For death, abuse, medical emergencies, legal danger, or immediate safety risk, use qualified and urgent support first. The recipient decides whether they want conversation, ordinary company, practical help, professional support, or quiet.