If you want to see if your analog dial thermometer was the cause just stand the accurite weather station right next to it. I have both and so far the "Zoo Med" analog dial has been exactly the same as the digital accurite with both the temps & humidity. I only use the dial type for cool side ambient temps and keep the accurite probe on the glass under her terrarium liner directly above the UTH. The device itself usually stays right outside her tank to keep an eye on my room temps which are usually only a few degrees cooler than her tank temps. Like I said I don't trust the analog ones so I test it with the digital from time to time.
Sorry for your loss. This should be a learning experience for you.
