Thought #1: Doing lots of math is different from doing competitions. Maybe the stress of competition ruined it for that kid. (Some kids thrive on it, but not all.)

Thought #2: What is wrong with that mom? "Oh, I just thought I'd ra-a-a-a-andomly tell you about a child who is like yours who came to a horrible end! No reason, I just thought you'd like to know!"