People brave enough to explore new territory face great risks. An event as tragic as this makes one call into question whether to continue on with these explorations. The nation cannot let grief hold itself back from carrying on with people's regular routines.
It depends on the relationship between each family member and how old his siblings are. if they are still like toddlers, well then they can't help obviously. Also who is Mitchell? A relative, a friend, a lover? that is also an important thing to note. I would either pick him or his father.