There were thunderstorms in the area. The number of pilots who crash because of physical problems are documented to be minuscule. Even old pilots.
"The number of pilots who crash because of physical problems are documented to be minuscule. Even old pilots."
No question it is rare. But that being said someone died this way just east of Gillespie field a few years back. Heart attack.
Also another fellow lost conciousness but awoke after he was too far over the ocean to fly back and had to ditch but was rescued.
These are just some local regional incidents from the last few years that come to mind.
Also the N. Las Vegas incident where the pilot died of heart failure (I think it was heart) after take off and a passenger with glider experience was able to do a gear up landing.
So it occurs from time to time. An older pilot just makes me think its more probable.