New tree in old tree's place?

Our 30 year old Snakebark Acer, that's about 30 feet high, has unfortunately died. We really don't know why it's perished. There's no sign of disease. It's possible that some of the roots were cut when next door dug their patio foundations. Anyway, we would like to replace it with a reasonably large sapling in exactly the same place. So, I have some questions:

Is it advisable to plant a new tree of the same type in the same place where an old tree has died (when the cause of the death of the old tree is unknown)?

Would a tree of a different type be more tolerant of being in the  same position of a tree that had died?

We originally chose the Snakebark Acer because it gives a lovely spring display, autumn colour and the bark is a great feature throughout the year. If we should plant a different tree, what would forum members suggest?