Wait, what? Merely inquiring as to how he died is "gossip" and the implication is that I'm engaging in negativity? I think you should check the dictionary:
gossip [ˈgɒsɪp]
n
1. casual and idle chat to have a gossip with a friend
2. a conversation involving malicious chatter or rumours about other people a gossip about the neighbours
3. Also called gossipmonger a person who habitually talks about others, esp maliciously
4. light easy communication to write a letter full of gossip
5. Archaic a close woman friend
