I think a lot of it has to do with why we observe "sudden deaths" or "accidents/tragedies" differently from others. We just do.
Scenario #1, CNN has breaking news that 38 children died when a roof collapsed at a school.
Sceanrio #2, CNN reports that last year, 38 children died in bike accidents in a particular state, and are legislating a helmet law.
Why does the 1st stick with you more? I dont have the answer, I know it just does. You stop and think "damn", you just do . Its human nature.