I think he's still paying on it, at least for now. The big question is how he's trying to unload it. Unless he's pulling the fastest move of all time, he hasn't saved up the tens of thousands needed to make a short sale happen, so I have to believe it's something else. I wonder if it's something like this:
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/voluntary-surrendering-vs-foreclosure-79834.html
Looks like it would fuck a refinance on the WAKhando though: "Both events remain on your credit report for seven years. Mortgage lenders require the same waiting period, or seasoning, after a deed-in-lieu and foreclosure before approving you for a new loan. You must typically wait three to seven years, depending on the type of loan you apply for. "