Why were the devotees so uncertain about whether Sai Baba had actually died or was just in a trance?

The deep uncertainty among devotees stemmed from a remarkable past event that created a precedent for his return from a death-like state. Chapter 44 explains that after Baba's breath ceased, people became doubtful whether it was true death or a deep trance (Samadhi). This doubt was because of an incident 32 years prior when Baba had drawn his life force into the crown of his head and appeared to be dead for three full days. After that period, he "suddenly returning to His body, He drove away the people's anxiety." Because of this previous experience, when his breath stopped for the final time, it was natural for everyone to wonder if he might rise again, leading to 26 hours of deliberation.