It is sad to read this news, but I don't think a man who have 1 billion USD worth XRP is stupid enough not to make sure it does not go waste.
Firstly very sad news a family man (with wife and children died). There seem to be some issues surrounding alleged drug abuse and so on but he was a father, husband and son. I feel for his family and friends.
The idea floated around was that because he was spending money on drugs and was not in the country at the time and was not exactly an old man, that he did not make an up to date will and last testament. It also seems he never gave his crypto keys or their location to anybody.