I as a photographer ( albeit with aircraft trials etc and some other 'missions' when I was indeed shot at, but nothing remotely like a war zone ), but I dealt directly with GW 1 photographers - some were still deeply traumatised months / years later - can understand the horrible position the said reporter was in.
Of course, having said that we'd all like to think we'd have the nerve to give hints, if forced to appear on camera.
It can only be said, 100% well done to the recovery team, and a huge thanks & best wishes to the poor sod who lost his life.
That thought, among others, will remain a living hell for the rest of the reporters' life, I can assure you.