
They die. THey just have very long death throws(is that how you spell it?) according to one S. Fry.
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Thu 29 Nov 2007, 15:53,
archived)

I saw it on QI a while ago. They are essentially dead, it's the twitchy nerves that make them seem like they're still alive.
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Thu 29 Nov 2007, 15:54,
archived)

edit: yes : dictionary.reference.com/browse/throes .
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Thu 29 Nov 2007, 16:07,
archived)