Yeah, he died . . . a death just as poignent as another character we all know and love ((SPOILER)Aeris), if not greater. The sad thing is, we know he will die eventually as soon as you get to the Black Mage Village, and view the scene in the graveyard. I'm glad he wasn't main character -- it seems to be a mantle that curses anyone that bears it (I did not like Cecil, Squall, Cloud, or Zidane).

Plus, his theme (the tune that plays in Alexandria) is great. To me, it evokes the spirit of the game perfectly, along with The Place I'll Return to Someday.