Not dead, most likely, just burnt. He'll have to water the crap out of it and see if it comes back.

I wouldn't suggest sod with all this heat. We sodded in April and we're still fighting an uphill battle keeping it alive. And, we have a well, so I don't worry too much about over-watering.

I did seed in some small areas with the new Scotts seed that is coated with a white substance to help it retain water. That stuff is amazing! Rake up the ground, seed, and then add a 1/4" of composted steer manure and water. I had grass in five days!