Survivors of Henry’s suicide deserve compassion

Years ago, my ethics in journalism professor spoke at length about the media’s responsibility to balance the people’s right to know with compassion for those directly affected by a newsworthy event.

Evidently, the reporter covering the story of Gregory Henry’s suicide (Aug. 24) never took such a class. The public was in no way served by learning the details of Mr. Henry’s final goodbye text to his wife, and the idle speculation that will most likely ensue can only cause more pain to a wife and children already reeling from this tragic event.

The story was solid without divulging the details of his text message, which is really nobody’s business. Report the news without encouraging gossip.

This story was originally published August 27, 2016 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Survivors of Henry’s suicide deserve compassion."