You want a refund??? Buy a refundable ticket or travel insurance. It's really that simple. This customer had the option to do so and chose not to. So, while it may appear as though Spirit is being classless.....the same could be said about a customer demanding a refund on a no-refund ticket.
Look, everyone and their brother has problems. It's unfortunate this individual has received bad news (the same news we're all going to get some day); but I agree with Spirit and their policy. Want to ensure you can change your travel??? Buy a refundable ticket or purchase travel insurance....that is, unless you're too cheap to do so. If that's the case, well....guess you get what you deserve.