I would bring up briefly, but in a positive light. Perhaps somewhere in your SOP you have a part discussing your passion or dedication for your proposed course of study? Near the end of that you could mention it and then use it to show you rebounded and overcame the circumstance.
I think the most important thing you can do, however, is let your recommenders know exactly what is going on and ask them to explain this away in their letter. This way you don't have to and you can spend more time in the SOP bringing up good things. "So and so displayed a remarkable ability to rebound after his family travesty, and I noticed his grades jumped right back to where they were before... etc"
Lastly, some applications have space for an addendum. If yours does, consider leaving it out of the SOP entirely and just bringing it up there.