Perhaps those who have deepened their friendship with Gunnar are saddened by the same result. I am also one of them. It's just my wishful speculation from here, but the fact that Northcrest's story is still in development, that even if Gunnar is gone, we can use his underwear and indulge in masturbation.
Is it really necessary to delete him from the relationship record just because he died? Actually, he's still alive and maybe he'll reappear somewhere... maybe I just wants to think so.