On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 10:07:39 -0400, Ed Pawlowski > wrote:

>It must be something lacking in their real everyday life. Sure, when
>someone dies the close family and friends will miss that person. With
>celebrity, we may miss their talents and entertainment, but what makes a
>person travel some distance, buy flowers, add them to a makeshift shrine?

Self indulgence, boredom and attention seeking. It is an event which
they can participate in. Encouraged by media coverage - from which you
too can learn the 'protocols' required for participation.