How is the "oldest known" animal, of any species, dying, a "blow"?

At some point all animals die. The oldest member of a group dying is not a tragedy (in terms of group survival), its when the young members die that you have a problem.

Besides, at 105 was she even capable of reproducing? If not, then this represents a non-event at all in terms of survival of the species.

Sad: yes.
Tragedy: no.
Journalistic integrity: toilet.