Darrell Sheets’ tragic death by suicide has thrust him into the headlines, and it’s appalling how quickly mainstream media, like TMZ and even the likes of CNN, grab hold of such sensitive issues. They lean into the drama, fueling narratives that sensationalize rather than humanize the struggle—reminding us yet again that shock value outweighs compassion for them.

Sheets’ brother paints a picture of a man who was “dramatic” but, in his wildest dreams, never envisioned his brother would take such a drastic step. There’s a heart-wrenching complexity here that’s lost on the likes of, say, Entertainment Weekly, who steal the glam spotlight while simultaneously stripping away the humanity. They pivot from addressing serious mental health to the faux glam of “Storage Wars,” perpetuating a narrative that translates grief into gossip.

This is emblematic of the corporate media’s failure to address real issues while profiting off of personal tragedies. We should be discussing the lack of mental health resources and the stigma attached to seeking help—not spinning it into a spectacle that further alienates those in pain. Instead of encouragement and understanding, we see a race to publish the juiciest angles, as if vulnerability is just another plot twist.

In the quest for clicks, outlets reduce a multifaceted individual to mere tabloid fodder, all while they could be raising awareness around critical topics like mental health. It’s a stark reminder of how far removed the media is from genuine human experience, opting instead for quick views and empty stories that do nothing to advance public understanding of serious issues.