Complete List of Deaths in Yellowstone Season 5

Warning: This article includes spoilers from Yellowstone Season 5 and discusses themes of suicide.

The critically acclaimed series Yellowstone, which chronicles the tumultuous lives of the Dutton family on their Montana ranch, has experienced significant character fatalities over its five-season run. Particularly in season 5, a total of six characters met their demise, each in distinct circumstances, highlighting the intense drama that defines the show. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, first premiered in 2018 and immediately captivated audiences with its gripping narrative that intertwines family loyalty, land disputes, and peril from both inside and outside the family circle.

As of now, the future of Yellowstone remains uncertain. Paramount Network recently announced that Season 5 would be the final chapter, prompting confusion with promotional material characterizing the season finale as a “season finale,”not a “series finale.”This ambiguity has left fans speculating about whether the Dutton saga might continue in some form.

The initial half of Season 5 was marked by a relative lack of major character deaths, featuring poignant farewells instead. However, the latter half unveiled shocking losses that impacted both the characters and the audience profoundly. The climax of episode 9 delivered what many consider the most significant death in the series, which was followed by three additional unexpected fatalities. Taylor Sheridan aimed for a dramatic closure, and he succeeded as emotions ran high through the 14th episode.

6 John Dutton IV

Monica’s Heartbreak: A Tragic Accident

In the poignant premiere of Part 1, titled “One Hundred Years Is Nothing,”viewers faced a heartbreaking farewell to John Dutton IV, a character we barely knew. The Dutton family had been anticipating the arrival of Monica and Kayce Dutton’s second child, who was to be named in honor of John Dutton III. However, disaster struck before the child could take a breath.

During the first episode of Season 5, Monica experienced severe complications just three weeks shy of her due date. With Kayce away on business, she undertook the daunting journey to the hospital with her son, Tate. Tragically, their drive turned catastrophic when they collided with another vehicle, resulting in a fatal outcome for the other driver and critical injuries for Monica. The following events unfolded with intense grief, as Monica expressed a desire for a funeral on their land, symbolizing the mourning for the life never given a chance to flourish.

5 Emmett Walsh

Legacy of a Cowboy

The second and final loss in Part 1 occurred in episode 6, entitled “Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You,”with the passing of Emmett Walsh. As a foundational figure within the Dutton’s circle and a member of the Stock Growers Association, Emmett had been present since the pilot episode. While not an intensely featured character, his quiet death from natural causes carried a hefty emotional weight, representing the dwindling era of the classic cowboy.

John Dutton’s reflections on Emmett’s passing highlighted the beauty of a cowboy’s farewell: a peaceful death, fulfilling the dream every cowboy holds dear.

4 John Dutton III

A Heart-Wrenching Goodbye

With Kevin Costner’s departure from the series, John Dutton III faced a tragic exit in the premiere of Part 2. Viewers were shocked during this pivotal moment when it was revealed that he had died by suicide. However, as the episode progressed, the implication of foul play became evident, suggesting that he was murdered by hired assassins under the influence of Sarah Atwood, a rival power player in the real estate game.

John’s death not only devastated his family, especially Beth and Kayce, but ignited a fierce quest for vengeance. The emotional weight of his funeral echoed throughout the family’s subsequent actions, unveiling motives layered in betrayal and revenge.

3 Sarah Atwood

The Cost of Betrayal

Sarah Atwood’s role as the malicious architect behind John’s death ultimately led to her own demise. Kayce, suspecting foul play, pushed authorities to re-examine John’s suspicious death. As Sarah became a target for those she employed, her attempt to escape her consequences resulted in a brutal confrontation leading to her assassination, which was chillingly executed while she was still on the phone with Jamie.

2 Colby Mayfield

An Untimely Tragedy

In a shockingly unexpected turn, Colby Mayfield met his end in episode 12. A beloved, albeit secondary character, his death resonated painfully with fans as it served little narrative purpose yet illustrated the senselessness of loss in the Dutton life. Colby’s heroism in attempting to protect Carter ultimately cost him his life, which left scars on those who cared for him, notably Teeter.

1 Jamie Dutton

The Ripple Effect of Revenge

The climactic finale culminated in a long-simmering conflict between Beth and Jamie Dutton—one that ended in Jamie’s tragic death. After revealing his involvement in their father’s demise, Beth sought retribution. The confrontation escalated into a physical struggle, resulting in a shocking act of violence where Beth fatally stabbed Jamie. This final act of vengeance not only punctuated the themes of familial loyalty and betrayal but also set the stage for the ongoing conflicts that the Dutton family will face.

These character deaths throughout Yellowstone Season 5 encapsulated themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier, drawing viewers deeper into the emotional landscape of the Dutton family.

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