[gmku]

Don't know about the Jethro bassist, but yes, death can result from an absessed tooth. It's rare, but it is a possibility, because any serious infection can cause death. Usually if an absess is untreated it will eventually stop hurting but it WILL come back with a vengance several times until it is treated. Believe me, finding some way to finance a root canal or extraction is way better than trying to live with it.