The only thing I can say about why some things get more media attention than others is due to the media status of the person who was killed. Sportsmen, celebrities, politicians etc...all receive more social status than e.g. soldiers.
Sportsmen capture the hearts of society due to playing sport. Soldiers unfortunately die behind the scenes and hardly receive the recognition they deserve for putting their life on the line intentionally whilst we enjoy the comforts and luxuries of society.
So yes, that is the sad part about the media and who and what receives attention in our society.
I guess taking in to account everything that has been said in here so far is that depending on what walk of life you come from, your interests, your hobbies, your passions, certain peoples deaths may mean different things.
Given I grew up playing cricket and still have a love for Test cricket, Phil Hughes death was particularly shocking for me. The fact that a seemingly non-dangerous game could actually result in death is quite confronting.
