[user104658]

Yes, to be honest for me it's less a case of "deserved it" and more a case of "it was his own choice". He knew it was illegal, he knew it was a huge risk, and its not surprising that he ended up dead.

I suppose I'd compare it to a joyriding teenager. They don't "deserve to die" for their stupidity even though they're putting other people's lives at risk, however it is a situation entirely of their own making that they know is risking their life.