Some rather impressive stars have come out to
pay tribute to Mr Hoffman.
I didn't know he had children. This must be really tragic for them.
And, indeed,
canflam, this is what I learned from Cory Monteith's death: Apparently, when a recoveing heroin addict relapses, he's (or she's) more likely to overdose simply because their body isn't used to it any more.
Mind you, I should expect that most drug overdoses are accidental.
At the same time, there's a pattern of behaviour in which death is a possible outcome. Sure, it's probably not the intended goal, but it's like playing Russian roulette.
Sooner or later, you're going to die.
Which, I repeat, doesn't make any of this any less sad or tragic.