Digging too Deep?

A classmate I didn’t know well recently died by suicide. I was curious about how he took his life and asked some friends. One of them thought I was insensitive and told me it was rude to ask.

But is it really so outrageous that an inquiring mind wants to know?

Stefan Says:

A curious mind is never bored! As a former news reporter who loves the details of a story, I understand where you’re coming from. But, you should seek to understand how sensitive and hurtful these situations are for the families and friends affected. Before you dig too deep for the details, try some patience. Eventually, they may leak on social media or through a friend of a friend of a friend. And maybe you’ll just never know. So yeah, by asking a friend of the deceased how they committed suicide, you probably will come across as outrageous, rude and insensitive.

My Momma Says:

Last year in the United States there were 13 suicides per 100,000 people, the highest rate recorded in 28 years. This is an alarming statistic. Given suicide's prevalence in our society, there is a good chance most people know of someone who has died this way, and there is an even better chance the deceased was a friend or loved one. So, what you perceive as an innocent question into their method of death may bring back painful memories of loss for others. Especially if your inquiry was not preceded with condolences and an acknowledgement of sympathy.