I don't think he is dead after Chapter 17. If he was, the first page on Chapter 32 would make no sense. The question of whether or not he goes/makes it to NYC is a different story. I like how that is left ambiguous.
Thank you for all the hard work for bringing this story to us. Tsukikage Baby was lovely and it will be a part of me from now on. I feel like stories that have great characters and meaningful interactions are the best. I'm glad I got a chance to read this.