Letter: Story about woman’s death went into too much detail

Upon reading Herald reporter Tyler Richardson’s front-page March 8 article, “Deputies rule woman’s death in burning car accidental,” and myself dealing with mental illness in my family, I’m compelled to write.

The article stated the victim, Carol Haugen, suffered from mental illness as described to investigators by her two adult sons. Detective Sgt. Kevin McCary did not go into specifics, other than to say Haugen was having mental health issues.

I would like to know why the reporter felt the need to elaborate on the condition of Ms. Haugen’s unkempt house for all readers and family members to see in print. The article states family members either declined to talk about the case or didn’t return requests to speak with the Herald. I don’t know of any woman, ill or otherwise, who would want details of their darkest time printed in public. I can only imagine how painful it is for her family.

Tri-City Herald, don’t reduce yourself to the likes of the tabloids.

This story was originally published March 15, 2016 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Letter: Story about woman’s death went into too much detail."