Theoretically, a receiver could overheat. It is a piece of electronics and heat is the enemy of all electronics. More realistically is that this "senior" follows the general rule of "If you can dazzle them with brillance, then baffle them with bullstuff". There are many things that can kill a reciever, but if it gave out in flight then it was more than likely caused by vibrations. Vibrations will kill a receiver quicker than just about anything else. As was said above, any receiver that is involved in a crash should be send in for service. No questions asked.

Ken