Nox, //I was also interested that they have living parents, and yet did not seem at all concerned about the fact that they would be losing two children in one fell swoop. //
I don't think we can assume that they didn't seem at all concerned. We have no idea of the family’s feelings, or of the discussions that took place before the decision was made, but the article does state that '…. the separation from their parents and brother was very serene and beautiful.’
For all we know the parents may have understood their wishes completely.