How about one big catch-all OBIT thread for non-music deaths? Don't start a new thread, just post a notification on that thread.

It would add an element of mystery and fun to the whole depressing OBIT scene. When you see the thread get bumped up to the top it means someone has croaked, and the object of the game is to guess who it is before opening the thread. If you're correct, you win a valuable prize! Like a canned fart or something.