Sad indeed, but I don´t know if it´s a relief, but he died probably doing what he most liked it.
Two years ago, I went to Thailand, and one of the members of our group had a heart attack and died. His wife was quite calm, and she kept us saying that despite having a heart disorder he insisted in travelling, and that it would be nice for him dieing enjoying his life.
He just fainted and that was all. Life is like this, and we have to be prepared for finding the “black lady” in any corner of this world. He have to live every single moment as if it were the last one. No tomorrow, but today.