Should I reach out to the parents of a friend after 13 years?

13 years ago, I was in a university residence and got to know a guy who tragically passed away two months into the school year. I always think about reaching out to his parents to tell them how much of a positive impact he had on me but I’m worried it’s too late or it would have a negative impact on them.

The detailed version: In residence, I met him during an open night and we had a hilarious conversation that I still remember. After that we only talked a few times but I always have the fondest memories of him - he was very funny, caring and always made sure to ask about how I was doing when we would see each other in the halls. Unfortunately, I was trying to adjust to my school schedule, work load and part time job so I never got to really hangout with him outside of those few times. That being said, I always really admired him and thought that when I’m a bit more settled I was going to make more of an effort to hangout with him. I sadly never got the chance and regret it to this day.

Every November, he is on my mind. At the time, I didn’t say anything to his parents when they visited the dorm because it felt like I hadn’t made the time to get to know him so what would I have to say? I was also a young teenager who didn’t know how to handle things. As I’ve grown up, he is still on my mind and I think back to how at ease he made me feel when I was a nervous first year student trying to figure out things. He truly made a positive impact on me that has lasted years.

I guess I need advice on whether reaching out to his parents is even a good idea. Part of me thinks that they might find comfort in the positive impact he left on me, but the other part thinks that they’ll either be hurt/triggered by it or that it’s selfish in a way. I’m not doing it to get a response from them, I just want them to know how incredible their son was as I believe he deserves that. I wish I had told them sooner but honestly, I think I was just a coward.

Does anyone have any advice about this? Feel free to be blunt if it’s a bad idea.