Very sad story.
Yes it is. I heard about this story lurking in a chat room. Some were saying that there's a connection between this, and other recent researcher's deaths. (i.e, typical tinfoilery). Reading the article though, I came away believing it was most likely a random act of violence. I decided to post it in the (admittedly remote) hope maybe someone would have some info they could pass along.
May God bless his family during this difficult time.