They would and they do. Kane does this to 6ft + 13st defenders regularly. If you're pushed at that point in your leap you have no control of your landing (hence why it is outlawed in rugby).
It happens all the time but probably shouldn't.
I would say it wasn't a deliberate attempt to cause injury but I am certain the defender knew he was not going to win the challenge and could have pulled out.
He was comically late.
Is the mortality rate so high because they are more commonly from things like car accidents which will also have a lot of other significant injuries due to the nature of the event?
Saka went up for a header and the defender left one on him when he was mid jump.
Not even going for the ball. Should be a red for shit like that, cowardly challenge.