Sadly Hugh McDonogh has retired him washboard and will focus on gettin well bloody knackered in every public from St Ives ta Sultash yer man will!
I'd guess despite everything he is connected enough with the Deep Purple camp that it would be reported if he died. But maybe not.
Last update about him was in 2015 when Captain Beyond's Bobby Caldwell said he was in touch with him and he was alive and well and uninterested in going back into the spotlight. As far as I know, no one in Deep Purple heard from or of Rod after the 1980 fiasco.
even though he's still physically able, i'd say neil young. he's very hesitant to play in front of people during covid, and since covid is never gonna end...