Okay, I think I see what you mean.
You aren't referring to any people dying in order to ascend the mountain,
you are referring to animals dying in sacrifice in order for the elders to ascend the mountain.
Yes, there had to be sacrifice for atonement of sin reconciling them to God in friendship,
along with the fellowship sacrifice to prepare them for the fellowship of covenant.
The blood of the sacrifices was used as the blood of the covenant for ratifying it between the people,
represented by 12 pillars, and God, represented by the altar, with Moses probably passing back
and forth between them as mediator.
Half of the blood was then sprinkled on the altar, which represented God, and the other
half of the blood was sprinkled on the people, sealing them in covenant.
So yes, for the elders to enter into the presence of God, they had to go by the blood of sacrifice,
and the covenant ratified on Sinai would be an illustration of that principle,
which is also the principle by which God must be approached in the New Covenant.
To be received by God in fellowship, we must approach him through the blood (death) of the sacrifice
of Christ Jesus which cleanses our sin, or we will defile the presence of God (Lev 16:16) and be received in wrath (Nu 1:51, 3:10, 4:15, 20, 8:19).
Now that I understand whose death you were talking about, animals and not people,
we are in agreement again.
Another star for your crown!
It will soon be too heavy to wear!