Besides that tragic accident (fuck alcohol) and with all due respect: That guy has his priorities completely messed up.
The moment he got trampled on for asking for support he should have dropped that project. Into a deep, deep pit. Probably would have been hired in an instant for a lot of cash to continue to maintain it under the direction of one of the FAANGs.
If you find any counter example please let us know.
Pretty sure some people would find it interesting.