No, that's not right.

That statute only covers the case when the descendant dies intestate. If he did have a valid will, the estate should be distributed according to the will. The exception I mentioned in my previous post is called elective share, which I believe exists in most of the state, if not all. Of course, if the son does not submit the will to challenge the distribution, your friend will be fine. However, if there is any illegality in the probate, there can be a potential issue. Your friend needs to consult a local estate lawyer. If everything you told me here is what has happened and the son still has the will, I somehow find it very very unsettled.