Some Sad Family History

In my search for my family history,  I've discovered some paternal cousins.  One of them, Steven Osha Brown, died of an accidental gunshot wound at the age of 17.  
 I wonder if my other cousins are still alive; I think I'd like to get in touch with them.  But I'm a bit concerned that they may think I am trying to stalk or scam them. There's so much of THAT going on these days!  On the other hand, what if someone pretending to be family tries to contact me?

Looking back, I wish my father had told me about my cousins.   I would like to have known about them, and that includes the sad things.  I would like to have known about Steven's death; I would like to have cried for him.