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That's fair, but I think in some countries traffic and the roads are so hectic it would end up creating more problems having the teams drive themselves around. Much bigger potential for accidents. More public transportation would be a good idea where it is available.

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‘Amazing Race’ Contestant Jim Raman Dies at 42
By JORDAN MOREAU

Jim Raman, an orthodontist who competed on the 25th season of “The Amazing Race,” died on Tuesday morning in South Carolina, according to the TV station WIS TV. He was 42.

Raman participated on the CBS reality competition show with his wife, Misti, in 2014. The duo, nicknamed the Married Dentists, finished in second place. Throughout the course of the season, they finished in first place for five of the 12 legs of the globe-trotting race against other pairs.

After the show, the couple returned to their home in Irmo, S.C., and continued working at their dental office, Irmo Smiles.

“Irmo Smiles has suffered a tragic loss this week. It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing for Dr. Jim Raman. As our staff and the family prepare for Dr. Raman’s celebration of life, please join us in praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time,” the company said in a statement on Thursday. “Your patience is greatly appreciated as we give Dr. Misti Raman time to grieve the loss of her loving husband.”

“Nothing suspicious or criminal is involved with the case and out of compassion and respect for family, my office will not comment on it,” Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher said in a statement obtained by WIS TV.

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The death of popular Irmo, South Carolina dentist Jim Raman is being investigated as a suicide, multiple sources familiar with the ongoing law enforcement inquiry told this news outlet.

Specifically, detectives believe Raman shot himself in the garage of his Lexington County home sometime earlier this week.

It is not immediately clear what may have prompted the 42-year-old dentist to take his life.

Irmo Smiles, the dental practice Raman ran with his wife – Misti Raman – issued a statement this week in response to news of his passing.

Irmo Smiles has suffered a tragic loss this week. It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Jim Raman. As our staff and the family prepare for Dr. Raman’s celebration of life, please join us in praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. We will be working to reschedule Dr. Misti Raman’s patients and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we give Dr. Misti Raman time to grieve the loss of her loving husband.

The Ramans have two young children. They achieved a degree of national fame five years ago when they appeared together as contestants on the twenty-fifth season of CBS’ Amazing Race, finishing in second place.

Lexington County sheriff’s deputies and the office of Lexington County coroner Margaret Fisher have declined to provide details of the investigation into Jim Raman’s death – except to say nothing “suspicious or criminal” is associated with the case.

“Out of compassion and respect for family my office will not comment on it,” Fisher told local television station WIS-TV 10 (NBC – Columbia, S.C.).

No arrests have been made, and no suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.

Obviously stories like this are very difficult to cover. On the one hand people close to the situation are grieving and do not want to see details of their loss plastered all over the internet. On the other hand, the public does have a right to be informed as to the result of taxpayer-funded investigations.

Also, public officials need to be consistent in the information they provide. The same standards need to be applied to all cases.

It is a difficult line to walk, in other words.

This news outlet extends our prayers to Misti Raman, her children and all of the friends and family of Jim Raman. Also, we would encourage anyone who is considering taking their own life to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by clicking 1-800-273-TALK.

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