There's an update to this story:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/delta-gibson-guitar-schneider-leevees-zambonis-203119266.html As an owner of the same guitar (1965 ES-335), I can realize his torment about the damaged guitar. But it seems a little publicity really turned a devastating situation into something acceptable, especially with Gibson stepping in (kudos to Gibson) and offering to fix the guitar and even give him a new replacement. (Note that in the original story, the case got 'totaled' but the guitar got damaged and was apparently repairable.)
The $10,000 value quote the guy presented also was very inflated (probably based on an inflated Ebay listings), although I can't blame him for trying. $6000 - $7500 might be more realistic. On the other hand, the one I own is 'priceless'. It was my first electric guitar after learning how to play and practicing on some cheapo $30 acoustic for a year or two (now that how you build up callouses). Finally the parents realized I was serious and offered some assistance for me in this purchase. Unless I hit some very hard-times, I hope to never let mine go due to its sentimental value.