How to get information on a deceased spouses annuity that you weren't aware existed?

The wife of a good friend of mine passed away 2 and a half years ago. A couple of months ago he was contacted by a company she had invested in an annuity with in the mid 1980's for roughly 7 years through her job at that time. My friend had no knowledge of this annuity until they contacted him.

He gathered all the info they required like the death certificate, her will and the fact that he is her sole heir, etc etc. He promptly sent all the requested info and then heard nothing. He has contacted them numerous times over the past several weeks and just keeps getting the run around and no one will let him speak with the lady who initially contacted him. He has asked for any type of statements and or accounting of this annuity and they make all kind of excuses as to why it's not available etc.

They were able to calculate he would be entitled to a payment of something like $25 a month beginning in the year 2024. But then won't provide any facts or figures to show how they came up with this crazy figure and date.

Something is very wrong here but I don't have any experience along these lines to give him any advice other than to see a lawyer. I told him to send a certified letter requesting an accounting of any monies but I figure they won't respond and are just waiting him out so he'll give up. I don't know why they contacted him to begin with unless it was a mistake on the part of the lady who called him.

What can he do? If you have any experience in this area I would greatly appreciate your input. Please don't waste your time and mine with stupid answers. Thoughtful informative answers only please!

Thanks!