If you died today would anybody close to you be able to log into your steemit account and let your followers know that you are no longer alive?

It's a really good question for Steem and for cryptocurrency in general.

Cryptocurrencies are set up with security of keys in mind, since the keys are effectively proof of ownership of the funds / assets.

So how can you securely pass these keys on when you die, without impacting their security before you die.

One approach would be to trust someone close, i.e. family, with your keys.

Another would be to use paper wallets, i.e. printing out your public and private keys on a piece of paper which you then store in a secure place (a safe, a bank security box etc depending on how much assets you are protecting).

With Steem, as you note, there is the additional question of communicating and closing your account. As far as I'm aware there's nothing set up to deal with this scenario.

To resolve this you could add a message with your cold wallet or family to be uploaded.

I'm sure before long this kind of service will arise. Smart contracts will be created which use information from death certificates to automatically process funds and provide appropriate communication.

Kind of morbid but a good question!