Perhaps (can't recall any longer), I came to that conclusion using the Fixed Stars that Joey's Neptune combust his Sun doesn't operate so well on his behalf, (or he on it)
because looking at "Bungula" the 3rd largest star in the sky (the year 2000 put it at
29 degrees Scorpio29min)....not sure exactly when Joey was born, but 40 years prior to 2000 may indeed be where i was coming from when I originally looked at his chart.
Concerning the Combustion of the Sun to Neptune:
I'm seeing his Neptune Sun Combust (Cazimi) as not operating well on his behalf because it's also near the Anaretic degree of Scorpio, however, certainly there are different takes on the Cazimi Sun as anyone can see here in this link discussing the problem:
http://xrl.us/bkvi8k (Link to books.google.com)
From Constellation of Words: Toliman or Bungula:
With Neptune: Occult interests, psychic or mediumistic, deceitful, dishonest, many journeys and voyages often to the east of birthplace, rarely long in one place,
occupation of a watery nature or connected with places of amusement and small speculations, favorable for gain and domestic matters, heavy business losses at end of life,
death caused by Scorpio ailment. [Robson*, p.149.]
(Note: he did make a living from water creations, "Fountains" that were quite creative (Sun conj.Neptune) and of a "watery nature" with amusement .....perhaps. "Heavy business losses?"....this we don't have knowledge of. Perhaps?
With Sun: Envious, self-centred, slow but fairly successful. progress,
many enemies, loss of inheritance. [Robson*, p.149.]
(Note: obviously, he did have enemies, because he's missing as is his family)
Generally speaking however, and I seldom do astrology generically speaking or taking one or two aspects out of context of the entire chart, but I would still agree that Neptune even combust the Sun (by and of itself) is not a negative at all!
My husband has Sun conj. Neptune within 4 deg. in Libra, and as you have seen with your friends, no problems with his temperment, nor his trustworthiness.
HOWEVER, he's very psychic (and mediumistic) when he wants to be, which is seldom and its not something he actively would pursue consciously (Mercury in Scorpio 12th hs>) can be trance inducing with Neptune conj. the Sun IF the evolution of the soul promotes same. (imo)
Re-reading this from the above, I now wonder IF indeed Joey and his family met with a "Scorpio type of death".....it's just been so long with no word! What possibly could include a "Scorpio Ailment" causing a death .