To be fair, I can't remember an instance where someone has naturally died rather than being shot, stabbed or eaten. It adds a different paradigm to turning phase. Some episodes, like episode 1 of season 4, are catalysts for the drama that is about to unfold so it will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
I agree there was a lot of no information that you are just expected to take on board, however they only have 40 minutes to tell the story so minor details will need to be left out.