For weeks McCain had been put in what's known as the [kill box]. Hints were dropped that he would be "making his exit" soon. That picture I posted was the last mention of him until the post on the day after his death, the 26th, that "every dog has his day".
McCain knew he was getting into some risky shit so he had an "out" for himself so he could save his reputation should he be discovered, which he was. Some people commit suicide, some people get brain cancer.