Not that new.
Two words: Clone Saga.
(In both universes he has been replaced by duplicates at least once so there is no proof that Peter Parker is Peter Parker.)
Wouldn't suprise me if they went with a much younger kid precisely to leave room for Peter to come back in another year or two.
Comics rule #1: They ain't dead if you don't see the body.
Comics rule #2: Even if you see the body they still ain't dead.