Seems to me the last thing I recall about him was someone bought something from him, sent the money and had not gotten the item they bought. I thought it quite odd based on his history here. I've not heard back on that deal in a good while now. Him dying would sure explain things a bit.
I too would like to know if anyone can find out as we need to make a post about him in our Gone but not forgotten forum in his honor if he has indeed passed.