Gutted for the bloke. I had a young brother (who had three very young kids, all close to mine) die from cancer while I was starting a PhD in the hardest possible maths field. During that year I couldn't get out of bed for a week on end more than once. Pressure, especially internal pressure to thrive in a competitive field, is the last thing you need when trying to deal with tragedy. The hardest thing about something like this is that you would normally turn to your parents for support but they are probably hurting even more than you because no one should bury their baby, no matter how big and ugly they get.
The wheel can turn and there is still time for him, with a contract till the end of next year. If he comes back and gets some form anytime before that I for one will probably shed a tear or two of joy for the bloke. Just like I did when Rama kicked that goal in his comeback game.