User blog comment:GinIchimaru/596 - Sabo's return imminent?/@comment-1595565-20100819173728

I think he is dead despite the possible hints. Look at Ace's tattoo in the picture, it's ACE, not ASCE, that more or less confirms that he got the tattoo as an homage to the fallen Sabo. Besides, in order to fit the basic pattern of the Straw Hat crew, Luffy would need someone important from his past to die.