Misappropriation of the word "heartbroken"

[ivoryrug]

Earlier today the Canadian Prime Minister described himself as "heartbroken" about the horrific events in Vancouver, and now the BBC are reporting that the festival organisers have used the same word. I don't doubt their sincerity in wanting to express their emotion but my gut says this word should be reserved for use by families and friends of the deceased. Anyone else feel the same way?

I don't agree. What would you like them to say instead... 'I find it a bit upsetting?'.
I would be devastated if an event I organised ended in people's deaths. That doesn't take away anything from the (obviously greater) suffering of the families of the victims.

Devastated works better than heartbroken.

Perhaps its something about the quotation marks in the headlines that cheapens it.

I disagree. I think it's appropriate (and correct) for a PM to feel that about his/her country.

And I think the organizers of the festival might feel that way because they'd feel some responsibility. Also, I'm assuming (I don't actually know) that they're part of the community that was targeted and which I would imagine, is tight knit as is often in minority communities.

One person might leave many people 'heart broken' and will all be for different reasons, even with in a family. Spouse vs parent/child etc. But it doesn't mean only one is right.

No it’s fine. It’s a synonym of devastated. It’s not reserved for people talking about their families.