Admittedly I haven't played Skyrim in ages, but surely Ralof doesn't die during the intro? One of the prisoners does die when they try to escape but not Ralof.
according to hastily googled 'scrolls wiki: https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Ralof
... However, Alduin attacks Helgen, and Ralof is able to escape. After reaching shelter, Ralof frees the Dragonborn from their bindings and asks for help against the Imperial soldiers. Later, the Dragonborn has the opportunity to rejoin Ralof and escape from Helgen. ...
he's part of few quest lines later on as well.
edit: but truth be told, even with name, I wouldn't have regognized him after helgen anyway.