Met the Snowbirds personally on a few occasions going back to my teens as an Air Cadet. Was always impressed by them - never came across as the stereotypical fighter pilot personality.
Sad days. I have thought for a while that they should have moved on from an airframe design that is over 60 years old, but it might be more reliable. I am not rushing to judgement.
Pretty sure that more crashes and pilot deaths are associated with the CF 18. Less risky maneuvers vs higher numbers, it is hard to know.