KRL this doesn't sound like many of your previous posts where you generally exhibit compassion for all life human or animal.
We make a big deal about celebrities passing generally obviously because they are known by millions and have provided entertainment to millions, no small feat in itself. We feel (incorrectly) as if we actually know the celebrity personally and therefore their death touches us more than the hundreds of thousands of "strangers" who kick the bucket every day.
We make an especially big deal about a celebrity's death when they have devoted significant amounts of time/money to selfless causes as many tend to do. Although Christopher Reeve would certainly have liked a cure for nerve damage etc to be found in his lifetime, I think he was championing the cause for future generations and therefore deserves the praise he will surely get as his achievements get rehashed over and over during the next few days.