Does The Tragedy of Death Depend on Witnesses?

Is a tragedy more tragic because more people witness the event? The tragedy of death passes by us everyday and frequently strikes friend or family. However, deaths, especially in large numbers, are usually considered both personal and community tragedies simply because they are witnessed by large numbers of people.

Is the death of my friend Ty any less tragic because it was witnessed only by his wife and children? Is the death of any one of the 2,977 who died on 9-11-2011 more tragic because it was witnessed by millions? What about the thousands of others who died the very same day, but not on TV?

Or perhaps it is the cause of death that creates tragedy. Was Ty's cancer at the age of thirty less tragic than a terrorist attack? What about car accidents, disease, murder or just old age? Are they less tragic? Why? To whom?

The act of terrorism on 9-11 was a blindingly grievous and cataclysmic event. As such, it deserves energetic response and heartfelt remembrance. But the tragedy of death was very individual and the equal of, no less than but also no more than, any death witnessed by many, few or no one at all.

If we truly believe in the value of life - every life - then every death is an equal tragedy; whether we see or know of its happening or not.