I'm a well read grad student who's bluntly honest about all things, although I try to be most honest about myself.
Long story, but she knew said friend was having difficulties, and had been for a while. Still, she's crushed, and so is the friend's husband, who is also a good friend of both my parents.
But mostly, I feel absolutely awful for the family and friends of this woman. It's just awful, all around, and I think my mom feels guilty that she was so far away with her phone off when this happened.
I'm gonna go back to huddling under the covers and my Real Humans marathon, because otherwise I feel like I'll start crying and never stop.