Don't think anyone said he DESERVED it. He died doing what he would have spun someone else into the wall for, blocking. Seems the drivers today are able to use strategy and drive AROUND people, whereas Sr. just drove through them. The King himself said in an interview that Dale was just an okay driver. I think if anyone has room to talk, it would be R.P. He also said the competition at the time wasn't very strong.
His death was tragic for his family and his followers. Noone tried to diminish or downplay that.