[pct-l] Man dies from rattlesnake bite in East San Diego County

[Ken Murray]

The issue of causation is probably something that people don't often consider, when someone dies.  It can get complicated.

For example, in the encounter with the snake, if as a result of encountering the snake, the fellow dropped dead...BUT WAS NOT BITTEN BY THE SNAKE, was he killed by the snake??

Frequently, with sudden death, a sudden suprise may give a huge surge of adrenaline which can push the weak heart over the edge, probably an abnormal rhythm.

Now one that will really mess with you.  If the man had been suddenly and unexpectly been introduced to his new grandson, and dropped dead, was he killed by his grandson (without being bitten)?

THAT is why an accurate understanding of a person's death is worth considering, so we don't start eradicating grandsons.

"Post hoc ergo propter hoc"  is the logical fallacy involved.  "After it, therefore because of it"--which is generally NOT true.