Cause of death seems to occupy a strange place in our society.
Almost everyone is eager to know that detail, but can't pinpoint why.
On the other hand, especially when we weren't close to the deceased, we know that it's information we probably don't need. And that people close to the deceased may find it painful to have publicly discussed.
It’s the same reason why people watch accident compilations on YouTube. It helps you understand why others died, so that you may be able to reduce the chance of getting into the same situation. Moderate morbid curiosity is healthy in the sense that helps you understand the world without needing first-hand experience which may actually kill you.
> It helps you understand why others died, so that you may be able to reduce the chance of getting into the same situation
I'd like to clarify this isn't universally true. It's worth noting that in cases of suicide, specifics aren't published, because publishing specifics increases suicides. (I'm not saying this was suicide).
But in certain cases, I think you're right. High level information about causes of death in mountaineering can be useful for other mountaineers.
And finally, in other cases? I don't think it's relevant.
If people were really this rational they would just look at actuarial tables, not individual deaths. People are morbidly curious, but I think it is just to see whether he brought it upon himself(drug overdose, suicide, heart disease in a fat person, drunk driving, etc), or whether it is something they should mourn for (cancer, heart disease in a non-fat person, killed by drunk driver, etc).
Almost everyone is eager to know that detail, but can't pinpoint why.
On the other hand, especially when we weren't close to the deceased, we know that it's information we probably don't need. And that people close to the deceased may find it painful to have publicly discussed.