What is the status of Al-Akhnas ibn Shuraiq, and did he die as a Muslim or a disbeliever?

Al-Dhahabi and Ibn Hajar definitively stated that Al-Akhnas ibn Shuraiq embraced Islam and was a Companion. Al-Dhahabi mentioned that Yasar, the father of Abdullah ibn Abi Najih, was a freed slave of Al-Akhnas.

Ibn Hajar stated in "Al-Isaba" that Al-Akhnas's name was Ubayy, and he was nicknamed Al-Akhnas because he led the Banu Zuhrah back from Badr. Then Al-Akhnas embraced Islam and was among "those whose hearts are to be reconciled." He witnessed Hunayn and died at the beginning of Umar's caliphate. He also narrated, from Al-Zuhri, from Sa'id ibn Al-Musayyib, that Al-Akhnas affirmed that what the Prophet (peace be upon him) brought was the truth.

Ibn Atiyah mentioned, citing Al-Suddi, that Al-Akhnas outwardly embraced Islam, then apostatized, burned the Muslims' crops, and killed donkeys. Thereupon, the verses were revealed concerning him: ﴿And among the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.﴾ to His saying: ﴿How evil a resting place!﴾.

Ibn Hajar responded to Ibn Atiyah, stating that there is no impediment to Al-Akhnas embracing Islam, then apostatizing, and then returning to Islam.