Yes this is sad, but two in one day is sad in another way. This just makes me feel all sorts of anger, frustration, sadness, and angst towards these pilots. I know things sometimes happen beyond our control, but if this proves to be pilot error (and not just NTSB "pilot error") due to a lack of experience, lack of planning, or lack of judgment then they made a fatal and sad error that cost the lives of others.
I have a few years of previous flying experience in this area, and July in Northern AZ is a high and hot situation becoming a formula for potential disaster for the inexperienced and experienced alike. Both of these look very much like CFITin VFR conditions, which makes it really sad.
I wonder if AOPA ASI would be willing to make a mountain flying CBT to help in these situations. I honestly believe a lot of help could be found in this department!