I am going to say he is out. Why ??? For a combination of 2 reasons.
1 - Rule 7.08J
Rule 7.08 (j). (k) In running or sliding for home base, he fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to the base, when a fielder holds the ball in his hand, while touching home base, and appeals to the umpire for the decision. This rule applies only where runner is on his way to the bench and the catcher would be required to chase him. It does not apply to the ordinary play where the runner misses the plate and then immediately makes an effort to touch the plate before being tagged. In that case, runner must be tagged.
2 - APPROVED RULING OF 7.08 (a).
APPROVED RULING: When a batter becomes a runner on third strikenot caught, and starts for his bench or position, he may advance to first base at any time before he enters the bench. To put him out, the defense
must tag him or first base before he touches first base.
I think the "BEFORE HE ENTERS THE BENCH" would hold true for the original question as well. He has entered DEAD BALL AREA and also
has abandoned his running of the bases. By touching the plate or Appealing to the umpire would declare the runner OUT !!!
Sometimes I feel like we need to be like a lawyer when we interpret these rules (Ouch!!)
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