Wiggy, that's quite a depressing and tragic story. However, given that the deceased had tried to take his own life two weeks earlier and yet the family had "no indication of what was to come," it certainly seems that someone wasn't listening very well. In the hindsight view, I would think at least some of those he left behind have a profound feeling of guilt. Sad all the way around.
Back on track, your point about gender, race, etc. is well taken.