The Life After This

I recently watched The Tillman Story- a documentary about Pat Tillman's death and his family's search to find out what really happened.  What really struck me in the film was the video from his memorial service.  His brother got up and spoke about the fact that Pat was an atheist and he was just "dead".  That made me really sad.  Why would you choose to believe that there is nothing after this life?  I have such great hope in God and the Heaven he has waiting for us.