SpoilerI don't know because I always took him with me in the final fight. His Incinerate is, at least as far as I can tell, probably the best NPC power for eating away Humano-Reaper's armor. If you *do* take him with you in the final fight, he lives (though you'll definitely get a scare!
Qwinn
Spoiler
Ahh yes, I know to what you are refering. I imagine tha thappens every time, with a randomly selected character. Though I wonder if it favours the love interest if they are in the party.