I did not like the ending. However, he appears dead but blood is flowing out. If that is the case, I think he is still alive. I have heard that blood stops flowing when the heart stops. Don't know how true that is in all cases. And of course, we don't know how technically accurate the writers are with Downton Abbey either. We will find out at the end of the year when the next seasons starts unless someone in England spills the answer since they see it before we do.