Which scenario would best describe someone as having died intestate?

Dying intestate refers specifically to a situation where an individual passes away without leaving a valid will. This means there were no legal documents in place that specify how their assets and property should be distributed after their death. When a person does not leave a valid will at the time of death, the laws of intestacy in the person's jurisdiction govern the distribution of their estate, typically favoring surviving relatives.

Having a legally binding will in place indicates that the individual had taken steps to outline their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets, which negates the intestate status. Similarly, creating a living trust or possessing an outdated will still implies that the individual had some form of estate planning, distinguishing them from someone who died intestate. Thus, the scenario of not leaving a valid will aligns perfectly with the definition of dying intestate.