Mass-produced Reanimating Priests: Exploit?

[PvK]

If you have a large body of water and water or air magic, can't you just drown them by removing their breathing apparatus?

[MaxWilson]

[Drowning] won't trigger Life After Death because it happens out of combat.

I tried Rain of Stones but my problem was that my opposition wasn't tough enough and my Cyclops cast Flying Shards instead. I didn't pursue the test after that.

-Max