There are a lot worse things going on around the world today. Terrible tragedies, violence and death.

Stupidly, perhaps, we are sometimes touched by smaller things than war and calamity.

Such it is with Poco, a young beluga whale who earned a certain degree of fame for his frequent visits along Maine’s coasts and harbors this summer.

Poco was playful and would chase boats, push dinghies and splash spectators trying for a peek.

The whale’s remains were found Monday in Mills Cove by the Coast Guard. The cause of death hasn’t been determined.

Poco was just a little whale. Experts had hoped that he’d head north, away from the dangers posed by people and propellers. We wish he had, too.