It was an isolated incident, a good majority of the ones who just suddenly share the same issue are most likely lying but bungie will investigate every case they come across since they can physically see when you delete characters

Lucky has a few videos covering it. I believe it was the once case, the guy posted on reddit. The guy updated saying he's told bungie about and they're looking into it, a second update I believe he states bungie has recovered his deleted character, but some items or armour wasn't there, so most, but not all returned to the guy. Other people stated they are having same problem over on reddit, but I believe bungie basically said they will investigate all cases reported but not to expect a recovery too. Something about players deleting characters in the past, either purposefully, by 3rd party, or other reasons... *I am recalling from memory, but I think most of the information is correct, that it was the first case was able to be recovered, and other cases being investigated. Lucky may have already posted more about as of writing.