I'm on the fence about this one, so I agree with many points, even those that contradict..
As far as jail time goes, in the end you would have to say being stupid is a serious crime if someone dies right? (I guess that about sums up involuntary manslaughter or negligent homicide...) The problem would seem to be the ambiguity surrounding this. One person? Two? How about somebody’s pet, or many zoo animals? There are plenty of people making stupid decisions everyday that result in death that are never punished at all (take for example, some folks at NASA). Some might say our own president..
I think the real motivation here comes down to appeasing the survivors and their families. But people don't necessarily have a rational response when grieving or dealing with the loss of a loved one. I'm sure some of the families would be quite happy to see this guy put to death or get life in prison. But what in reality makes prison the appropriate punishment if it purely comes down to not insulting anyone? What is so justifying about putting this man in jail with people that have actually gone out and willfully and vindictively committed crimes against others?. Are different forms of punishments (like some already mentioned) other then jail time really so far-fetched?