I am so sorry for the lose of your friend.
But take heart, cases like Tim's are a rarity anymore. The medications and proticals of treatment we have available today enable the average person with HIV to live a full life.
I know personaly, I was diagnosed with HIV five years ago. Actually I was diagnosed with full blown AIDS and went through what is known as medical salvage. I was brought back from the brink with modern medical science. I no longer have an AIDS diagnosis I am just HIV+, and my viral load has been undetectable for the last 5 years.
Get tested if you do not know your status. Even if you think you know, get tested anyways. Play safe. Stay safe.