You could say he got what was coming to him...
LOL. That took me a few seconds, but... good one!
Lissen, I agree with liberalisimo, he didn't "deserve" to die and his death was certainly needless and tragic, I don't think anyone would seriously dispute that.
But that being said--he took his life in his hands and he experienced the consequences. I'm all about not protecting people from the natural consequences of one's actions--at least not adults who are old enough (and presumably smart enough) to know better.
If that dude could talk right now, would he say that tagging a freeway sign was worth risking his life for?