cofty, You ask me what Jesus was trying to say here. I read it first when I was certain of an afterlife and judgement. And I know how I read it now.
when I read it now I consider as much of the teachings of Jesus that I know of--including those outside the bible canon. I used the evidence of good people I know who have died in "bad" ways. I read commentaries and research individual words--the words "I tell you, no"--that are said to be the most emphatic and intense expression of the negative. I researched the historical background of the events referenced...But even as I read the many commentaries going back 300 + years I realized that people who peg Jesus as the leader of the "saved" in heaven--These orthodox christians say he emphatically states the deaths reflect no special badness. These people simply died by chance.
And thus far I agree with what Jesus said.
But then the differences show up--with this question: what perishing is there for his listeners to fear?
..and, truthfully, it will be determined by the teachings he has given in other writings.