McConnell probably is still alive.

Yes, they’re clearly lying about the severity of his condition, but even if he’s brain dead he could be kept on life support and that would be enough to prevent the senate seat from being vacant.

If they did just wait until August 4 to turn off life support thinking it keeps the seat vacant, that would most likely backfire though.

In that scenario the governor could name a replacement immediately because the special election law was ruled unconstitutional.