is/was dead

[Tan Elaine]

Jack's parents' hopes were dashed on Tuesday when they finally learned that Jack was dead. (This sentence is extracted from one of today's newspapers.)

Is it possible to use 'is' since Jack is dead, not was dead?

Thanks in advance.

[Raymott]

Jack's parents' hopes were dashed on Tuesday when they finally learned that Jack was dead. (This sentence is extracted from one of today's newspapers.)

Is it possible to use 'is' since Jack is dead, not was dead?

Thanks in advance.

No. The main clause is in the past tense so, in this case, the second part has to be too.
They learned that he was dead. (past).
They are being told he is dead. (present).