I cannot find a clear answer on this based on the current build of the game. My condor just blew up but my crew member is still available. I didn't know if it was a bug or if maybe there is a counter or some such thing. I love the chick I am currently flying with and want to know if I need to be more careful. Thanks team!
Yes, you will lose the crew if....you have them activated and the main ship is killed. If you are flying a ship with a fighter bay but forgot to activate the crew, then they are safe if you die. You can still fly a fighter without an activated crew, but whichever ship you are in, the main ship or the fighter, the other ship can only follow you around like a dog, the only commands you can give it is to follow or hold position. Basically, unless the crew is activated, they are just sitting in a station somewhere drinking tequila on your dime, cause essentially, they are still taking a cut of your pay even if they aren't with you.