An Unexplained, Unexpected Sadness

I am, strangely, sad about the death of actor Heath Ledger tonight. It goes without saying that I did not know him--I haven't even seen Brokeback Mountain, though I have seen some of his other films (mainly the costumed ones--Patriot, Casanova, Brothers Grimm, A Knight's Tale). But thinking about his 2 year old daughter and the other family and friends he leaves behind, I am saddened. There have been other unexpected deaths of actors and athletes recently, coupled with the strangeness of the lives of those who are not dead . . yet (I am thinking of Britney Spears and the like) . . . and I feel old wondering what has happened to all of these young people?