But hearing that two of the victims on flight MH17 were dedicated Newcastle United fans naturally meant the devastating incident in eastern Ukraine hit home harder still.
John Adler and Liam Sweeney were travelling from Amsterdam Schipol in Netherlands to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on the way to their eventual destination in New Zealand.
There, the pair planned to take in two Newcastle pre-season friendlies - against Sydney FC in Dunedin on Tuesday, and against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.
All this having seen a 2-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic last Tuesday, their final match.
It was true commitment to the Magpies' cause. John, in particular, had built up an incredible reputation as one of the loyalist football supporters in the land, having missed just one first-team match since 1973.
Indeed, he was so well-known among the away support that he was given the affectionate nickname of 'The Undertaker' for his propensity to wear a black suit with a white shirt, whatever fixture United happened to be playing.
Liam could not quite match the Undertaker's record, but then - how could that be expected at his age of 28?
Both were such tragic losses - and yet, predictably, nothing so far seems to have come from the powers-that-be other than another tiresome round of finger-pointing.
Somehow, though, there is still actually a positive story to be found here - and, remarkably, it involves the fans of Sunderland AFC and their tribute page to John and Liam.
On the site, the Mackems explain: "We may be Sunderland fans, who traditionally have deep rivalry with Newcastle, but there are things far more important than any football games.
"The incredibly sad news that has emerged this week about two Newcastle fans who have passed has left us all shocked and deeply saddened. Donating here will help pay for a floral tribute to those fans and to unity between the two clubs.
"Any extra money will be donated to a charity that has yet to be decided. Thank you for your time, effort and donations. RIP to John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were both far too young."
One thing is for sure - there should be some money left over for the charity - as, in an incredible coming-together of the two rival fanbases, more than £16,000 has been raised so far.
It is a fantastic gesture by all - but especially by those from Sunderland whose generosity has transcended rivalry.
In other tributes, Newcastle United released this statement and allowed the Sir Bobby Robson statute on Gallowgate to be used for scarves, shirts, cards and flowers to be laid.
The commemorations have now been moved to the main entrance of the Milburn Stand in expectation of inclement weather.
Additionally, the club confirmed that black armbands will be worn in the two friendlies in New Zealand on Tuesday and Saturday, and an - as yet - unspecified tribute will be organised for the first match of the season against Manchester City on 17 August.
Elsewhere, Gateshead staged an impeccably-observed minute's silence ahead of Friday's friendly win against Newcastle U21s - and Berwick Rangers, Whitley Bay and Blyth Spartans all followed suit.
Sunderland and Darlington paid their respects ahead of their friendly at Heritage Park in Bishop Auckland yesterday.
And, on Twitter, United youth team player Kyle Cameron dedicated a 6-2 friendly win in Sweden to John and Liam.
Finally, here is a bit of poetry, from an unknown source, in memory of John Adler and Liam Sweeney who both died too young:
Ground to ground, both day and night
To follow those in Black and White
Cheering loud and clapping hands
Among the nation’s loyalist fans
Friendlies, cup games, not a care
If the Toon were playing, you were there
Win or lose, through bad and good
Newcastle United was in your blood
Known by thousands all around
Familiar faces at our grand old ground
Loved by many, all the lads and lasses
Before the next Toon game we’ll raise our glasses
Two empty spaces in the crowd
Don’t worry though, we’ll cheer you loud
This tragic news is sad and dark
But you’ll be the light at St James’ Park
Sleep tight now lads with pride on your faces
And teach the angels the Blaydon Races
For this sad day and through the night
Let Heaven’s gates be Black and White
RIP
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