Don't delete it.
Set pev_solid -> SOLID_NOT
Set pev_effects -> pev_effects | EF_NODRAW
Set pev_nextthink -> get_gametime() + time_you_want_to_respawn
Then you also have to hook FM_THINK
in the Think function, check if the entity is one of those you use in your plugin, then, check if pev_effects & EF_NODRAW
In that case :
Set pev_solid to what it was set before when the entity should trigger the Touch
Set pev_effects -> pev_effects & ~EF_NODRAW
Set pev_nextthink if you need to.