Another End User, Basically Screwed

Had someone contact me to assist in gaining control of their content and name, as it appears their 'host' has vanished (If I've found the right person, he's been arrested for repeated domestic violence). I look into it, and they don't answer emails (for months now, according to the true owner), phone numbers are disconnected and they've tried to hide their "business" by using resellers and multiple dummy companies.

Still active GoDaddy reseller for their domain name...which is registered in this guy's name, not the true owner. He's gone, for months now, and the real owner is left trying to convince GD of the ownership.

Then the hosting, traced to an active Site5 reseller account. They won't let her in or give her the files/db without the reseller's permission, and he's into the wind. Chat support suggested we open a new account. They won't give us anything, mind you, just "open a new account".

Hmm...not very helpful.

They went on to suggest contacting management, but left little hope of success in doing so, according to him.

So, why would this person do all of these things to keep the rightful owner out?

Is it deliberate?

Self preservation?

Honest mistake, or incredibly stupid?
<rant>

Consider this an open recommendation to all of you new, start up or would-be hosts:

Leave a way for your customers to gain access to what they've paid for, should you be hit by a bus, or simply fall off the face of the earth. Domains registered in *their* name, not yours, and have a backup plan in place so someone at your company can at least do the right thing in your absence. Do it today, now even.

You the only one there? Write up a document, and leave it with someone you trust to carry out instructions when you're gone. I've had to deal with everything from accidents to deaths and simply quitting without telling anyone, and it's completely unfair to the customers you leave behind.

</rant>