Cancellation policy needs to be looked at like any inter Booking.com lodges , hotels and accommodations

I booked yesterday morning for weekend of the 23-25th at Lake Motel due to unforeseen circumstances at home last night I heard the news of a passing of a family member and requested cancellation and their terms and conditions stated I am responsible for a full payment for the booking even though it’s less than 24 hours I reserved the accommodation and had not yet paid. Is this fair policy. I mean most resorts or lodge have a fair policy via Booking.com of a window period for cancellation at no cost and after a certain date with a cost. I found that it’s a ******* with Lake motel to put such a clause that even one is cancelling a booking in less than 24 hours of booking one is still liable for a full pay without even understanding any person personal unfortunate circumstances that has arisen