Newspaper headlines are no place for euphemisms. Indeed, when a story in a newspaper covers the news of a death, the only place for a euphemism is an obituary written by a relative or a funeral home.

Nor is there any place for any euphemisms when describing the death of an animal.

Death is a natural biological function that – in straightforward journalism – should be reported simply for what it is: a death.

Orca J-52 did not pass. He died.

Fielding M. McGehee III

Friday Harbor