Someone has written a fic where a main character died (kind of) and
came back years later, it's called "Another Time, Same Place" (I think)
but I can't remember who wrote it.  The basic idea is that Ranma udsed a
cursed wishing ring to wish for everyone's happiness and he simply
vanished until everyone had moved on and found there own happiness (I
think it was like 20 years later).  He returned to Nerima to find
several changes from what he knew.  While he didn't actually die, he was
stuck awway from those he knew and cared about having absolutely no
contact with them (or anyone) for an extended period of time, just to
returned to find his world turned topsy-turvy.  That's the closest I
know of to what you're seeking.
   Hope that helps.  Until next time, ja ne.

Sincerely,
Akihiro
Akihiro@webtv.net