So it's right to leave so many people dissapointed without saying a word because he does it for free? At the very least he should tell us if he is still on the project or if he is going to leave it because of X or Y reason. Were that the case, i wouldn't complain.
Of course, it's still a bit soon to say such things, but i am starting to get a bad feeling about this...
Maybe it is because he cant say anything for now for some reason that cant turn public

Plus if something bad really did happen to a family member of his, the same people who badmouthed him would turn a 180, I guarantee it.