Vacant House, Owner moved to nursing home - Want to buy

[Don Harkins III]

I was told about a home in a neighborhood where the homeowner has just been moved into a nursing home and the house is now vacant. It's on a platted double lot + additonal 20' of width so it's a very valuable redevelopment opportunity.  What's the best way to approach the homes owner, or her family, to make an offer or start discussions? Should I just mail them an offer out of the blue? Should I send a letter? Should I research the family online, find the heirs, and approach them out of the blue? Seems like a touchy situation to approach.