Why is he doing this to me?

My bf dumped me a few months back, but he wanted to remain friends. He wouldnt let me go when i suggested that we have a complete break. He said he loves spending time with me and stuff. We are having a long distance relationship and he is going through a family bereavement where one if his parents passed away. It was after this that he ended things. Its not a friends with benefits situation as i dont even see him much for it to be that. Whenever i tell him i cant see him anymore he says that he is losing his best friend and that he doesnt want to never see me again. He says he doesnt love me but if he doesnt love me then why keep me in your life. I dont get it, and have been so upset all day because im so confused and tormented by this. I love him dearly, and maybe all of this is down to him grieving. He says things like that because of his loss he cannot offer me anything at the moment but friendship because he is not mentally right after losing his parent. I suggested again today of cutting all ties and he says he doesnt want that. So confused and upset, i dont know what to do. Will i ever have him back? Is there a chance we could be like we were again? Has anyone been through something similar? Please help