I can respawn in Hardcore Java 1.15.2

I got shot in the back by a skeleton with an arrow. (Yes, I was running away.)

 

I got presented with Respawn or Return to Title.

 

I clicked Respawn and it did. I saved and quit, and confirmed it said hardcore and survival. I logged back in and statistics said deaths 1. I searched the log. I am guessing it should say cheating, but doesn't. I am also not a spectator. I can do stuff.

 

I thought this wasn't supposed to happen.