in hindsight the rider should not have had ear buds in while cycling.
when cycling or using other public spaces like bike paths, earbuds are just a menace. every time - EVERY TIME - i use a bike path i'm ringing my bell over and over trying to let walkers or other cyclist know I'm coming up behind them. when I come up on someone who just stays in the middle, I know they have earbuds in and no situational awareness. yesterday's ride home - some guy has his bike parked diagonally across the path while he's doinking with his phone - no clue i'm there until i have to squeeze between his rear wheel and a guard rail.
i take no schadenfreude with your friends misfortune, but it's just another reason to keep your ears clear when in traffic (pedestrian or otherwise).