A right of way is a wonderful thing. The practical application can be another thing entirely.
And no, pedestrians do NOT always have the right of way no matter what, It depends largely on the laws of the jurisdiction. Saying that infers that a motorist will ALWAYS be charged for hitting a pedestrian; that the pedestrian is NEVER at fault. That's a stupid assertion.
For example, this pamphlet from the state of Georgia:
http://www.peds.org/resources/kw_rightofway1.pdfIt outlines when the pedestrian has the right of way. Nowhere does it say that pedestrians have a blanket right of way.
It's also patently STUPID to think that a 3,000 pound car can stop within a foot or two to give said pedestrian the right of way when he chooses to cross where ever he may desire.
"But are people seriously saying a horrible death is an appropriate result of jaywalking?"
I don't see where anyone is asserting that at all.
What I am seeing is that actions can have effects, and not always positive ones, and that sometimes the individual who starts the cause-effect chain is responsible for his actions.