I think he is alive as well. Course I still believe in the undead theory I posted in the theory section as well. If Ethan were one of the others, and the others really are zombies it would make sense that he is still alive. I'll have to watch that scene again to see if he is still breathing. I did find it interesting that they even wasted time showing Charlie and Hurley burying him -it must be important. Everything happens for a reason, on the show and on the island.