A man dies without leaving a valid will. He is said to have died

B is incorrect because 'in fee simple defeasible' refers to a type of ownership that can be terminated if certain conditions occur, not a status at death. It describes a property interest with a potential limitation or condition.

C is incorrect because 'probate' is the court process for administering a deceased person's estate, which occurs regardless of whether they died with or without a will. It's not a status of death.

D is incorrect because 'devise' specifically refers to property transferred by a will. Since the question states the person died without a will, they cannot have property transferred via devise.