Father Steve mentioned that It strikes me that Americans (in particular) will do almost anything to avoid saying, flatly, that somebody died.

One of the best treatments of death I have ever seen on television was when Big Bird explained to a young a girl on Sesame Street what it meant that Mr. Hooper had died. It was clear, simple, devoid of theology and euphemism - a remarkable example of what makes Sesame Street such an outstanding programme.