I agree it is sad, but it is the cowards way out. He was too sad to face his life, and could not continue, but by doing this he leaves pain for all who knew him, especially his family. If only he could see and appreciate the joy he brought to this world, and somehow get some hope and happiness from that. Depression is so terrible. If you want to really see what it is like, get Allie Brosch's book or read her blog. She has two very insightful essays about how it feels to be depressed.
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.co...epression.html
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.co...-part-two.html
A wonderful person who has everything to live for, but has wallowed in depression showed me these and said this is how I feel. The blog posts are so funny, but sad at the same time., I suppose the word is poignant.