Force majeure is a common clause in contracts that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, epidemic or an event described by the legal term act of God, prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations under the contract.
Generally, death or illness of one of the parties to a contract is not considered a force majeure. However, under general contract principles of contract, if death or illness renders it impossible for that party to perform their side of the bargain, they are excused.