Was the death of Saman Guana in some way a personal sacrifice to get humanity to weigh in on the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team with greater concern and sympathy, so more prayers were generated?

This, in fact, is what took place. It punctuated the reality here. This was no simple matter, it was an extremely difficult and tortuous path that needed to be taken in murky water under the worst kind of environmental circumstances. His death was karmic and happened because of circumstances in a prior life where there was a parallel experience that did not go well, and this was, in a sense, a reenactment. In both cases, there was a benefit for others in his, in a sense, being a martyr to a cause, and it made a contribution. While this is the greatest of sacrifices, to give up one’s life for others, it is a blessing as well and creates good karma that can cancel out other debts, and always nourishes the soul, and is a benefit to the one who makes the sacrifice every bit as much as those who may benefit from the example. This is not a reason to look for trouble or to be reckless, but it is important to know that nothing is wasted and many who perish undertaking service to others are destined to be honored, and will benefit, and will receive compensation for the temporary loss they incur.