I'm not saying we should start a bonfire with works of art from those who compromised their abilities through fatal addictions. But understand that they broke a bond with society because they could have and should have given us more.
That many people idolize artist for other than the merits of their art is as bad as saying an artist has a responsibility or obligation to society to continue producing art. Granted, art consumers are left without new art from their artist(s) of choice but the artist creates art for himself or herself, not out of responsibility or obligation to society. The responsibility and obligation is to themselves. And they may change that at anytime. As it is, business, science and art continue to advance not out of responsibility or obligation to society, but rather, to each individual self. Individuals and society benefit from the freedom-of-association arrangement of each person acting in their self-interest.
I agree - I wish Bill Waterson would continue producing Calvin and Hobbes. *sigh*