I also think Crab has it right in terms of cause and effect. Running out of power in an R44 if you are 4-up and approach like that without a headwind is all but inevitable. Completely inept. LTE and "VRS" are secondary symptom of being overpitched. The passengers also reported hearing the low RRPM alarm.
Based on information so far, including the pilot's arrogance and failure to understand that they caused an illegal flight to crash, I sincerely hope he goes to jail.
TT