This was an interesting read, and had very similar experiences.

My current problem is an IOS developer who I have used on 2 projects without issue. I then started a new project 3 months ago which should have taken 2-3 weeks max. So far his mother, son have both died. He lost his house. His computer broke, and then another one. Finally his son died again!? Still nothing has been sent, and he has had 50% of the money.

I suspect the problem is that he has taken on too much work. I have paid him well in the past, been fair with spec changes etc. He saw me an easy touch to screw over on the 3rd project. No plans to work with him again. It's not the money that pisses me off, its the wasted time!