This is a common scam. I’ve received e-mails like this from “relatives”. If the crooks say enough, they will tip their hand, so I have always been able to detect it as a scam.
First one of these I ever got was from a strongman competitor that I had trained with like twice, and had come to a Gus or two. My first thought was that we were not close enough for me to be his go-to guy in such an occurance. So I didnt wire him any money. I have not heard from him since, though…