I believe you did. It has happened to me many times. I once tasted one of my brothers dinner that he was eating it in Italy. Seen tornados in India, etc...
There really isn't much you can do with something like this. When we feel or experience these things from our connections its just a knowing.
Take heart in the fact that you are empathic enough to feel these things. That you have care and concern for others that maybe doesn't help your or them in these odd moments but it translates to them in each and every moment. With your care and concern over them when you are together and I believe that even goes out all of the time. Whether you or they realize it.
As far as overt protection? Try to take comfort in the knowledge that we all have our lives to live. Sometimes things don't go as we would like them to. But everything has a purpose. Send him white light, show your care and concern. But he does have his life to live. This world is not safe and secure. Bad things happen. But it's easy to see that you help those around you to feel better about their world. =)