Despite the fact that lots of people plant Blue Atlas Cedar here, they are not necessarily easy to keep healthy. Based on this year's weather, it may be that the roots are too wet or it may be fungal---we cannot really tell that just by looking at brown needles. There also are several pests like spider mites and others that could cause the same thing. Your friend probably should take a photo in to a nursery and have someone with experience with these trees try to diagnose from the photo. Or, they could ask their county ag extension agent or master gardeners who often man the phone help lines at the ag office.