He’s probably has a lot at stake if his faith collapses. I’d expect some anger and hatred to roll our way. Just pray for him and others.
He's a she, and yes, you nailed it. I'm told from several who have left the church that it is common to have a real struggle as the truth becomes more and more irrefutable. There is a great deal to lose, especially if one is elderly and one's LDS spouse has passed.
Imagine the devastation of facing that fact that "all you had done" was a tragic waste, that your temple marriage was no more binding that a pinky swear, and that nobody except Jesus is going to call you out of the grave.
Imagine facing the dreadful suspicion that your deceased spouse and family were on the wrong narrow path.
It's no wonder the denial is like iron.