Ranking the 11 Saddest Deaths in The Walking Dead Series

The narratives surrounding apocalyptic scenarios tend to be relentless, and AMC’s The Walking Dead is infamous for its graphic violence and gore. While the walkers may not be the fastest creatures, they certainly act as merciless hunters. However, the true threat often comes from humans in these dire circumstances, as only the fittest and the most cunning are likely to survive.

Throughout its storyline, both walkers and humans have claimed numerous beloved characters’ lives. Among the many who have left the series, which deaths have struck the saddest chords with viewers?

Updated October 21, 2024, by Ashley Claudino: Although The Walking Dead has concluded, it’s never too late to reminisce about those who have been part of the series or encountered the group over its 11 seasons.

11 Dale Horvath

An Emotional Farewell

Season 2, Episode 11: Judge, Jury, Executioner

Dale was the oldest member of the group, always striving to be the moral compass and prevent unethical decisions. His heartbreaking demise is compounded by the fact that it could have been avoided. Carl Grimes inadvertently plays a role in this tragedy when he provokes a walker trapped in a swamp, resulting in Dale being brutally attacked and killed. Daryl hears Dale’s cries and shoots him to end his suffering.

10 Shiva, Ezekiel’s Tiger

A Noble End for a Devoted Friend

Season 8, Episode 4: Some Guy

Animals often hold a special place in fans’ hearts, and it’s particularly tragic for pets in such catastrophic circumstances. The loss of Shiva, Ezekiel’s devoted tiger, in Season 8, Episode 4, was deeply upsetting. Ezekiel’s bond with Shiva began when he saved her life while working at a zoo, and her subsequent sacrifice to protect him during an intense confrontation with walkers was heart-wrenching.

9 Lizzie Samuels

A Distressed Child in a Harsh Reality

Season 4, Episode 14: The Grove

Lizzie, a disturbed young girl who had previously harmed her own sister, viewed walkers as misunderstood beings. Carol faced an agonizing choice when she realized Lizzie was a threat to the group and had no grasp of reality. The painful decision Carol made to end Lizzie’s life, reminiscent of her daughter Sophia, left a lasting impact on viewers, particularly given Melissa McBride’s poignant performance.

8 Abraham Ford

A Death That Went Unnoticed

Season 7, Episode 1: The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be

Abraham was marked by his courage and loyalty. Following the loss of his family, he found purpose alongside Eugene and later developed feelings for Sasha after initially dating Rosita. His death, depicted in a tense scene with Negan, overshadowed by the brutality and unexpectedness of it, left fans in shock as he shared a peaceful gesture with Sasha moments before he was killed.

7 Sophia Peletier

A Harsh Introduction to a Grim World

Season 2, Episode 7: Pretty Much Dead Already

Sophia’s journey came to an agonizing conclusion as she is ultimately discovered as a walker in a barn, having gone missing since Season 2. The ambiguity of her last moments and the heartbreaking revelation is a pivotal moment for Carol, marking a significant turning point in her character development after enduring the pain of her daughter’s loss.

6 Merle Dixon

A Difficult Redemption Arc

Season 3, Episode 15: The Sorrowful Life

Merle Dixon’s transformation was notable, shifting from a villainous character to showing glimpses of redemption by aiding Rick’s group. Unfortunately, his death at the hands of the Governor quenched that redemption, leaving a devastated Daryl to confront the loss of his brother only to find him turned into a walker—a heartbreaking culmination for viewers invested in their fraught relationship.

5 Lucille Smith

An Act of Love and Sacrifice

Season 10, Episode 22: Here’s Negan

In one of the bonus episodes, viewers were introduced to Lucille, Negan’s wife, offering insight into his character before the apocalypse. Her tragic demise, stemming from her illness and Negan’s inability to secure the medication she needed, was heart-wrenching. Lucille chose to take her own life, showcasing the depth of her love for Negan and alleviating him from the burden of caring for her during her suffering.

4 Hershel Greene

A Shocking End for a Beloved Character

Season 4, Episode 8: Too Far Gone

Hershel, a former alcoholic who reformed after his daughter’s birth, became a guiding figure within the group. His compassionate perspective on walkers and his refusal to kill them showed his humanity. However, his brutal death at the hands of the ruthless Governor left viewers devastated, especially as his daughters watched in horror.

3 Glenn Rhee

Farewell to a Season 1 Hero

Season 7, Episode 1: The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be

Glenn’s fate remains one of the most harrowing in the series. A dedicated member of the group and a loving husband, he met a tragic end at the hands of Negan, alongside Abraham. The timing was particularly cruel, occurring just after Maggie revealed her pregnancy, leaving Glenn without the chance to meet his child. His brutal demise set a gloom over the episode, with no silver linings for the characters left standing.

2 Lori Grimes

A Heart-Wrenching Maternal Sacrifice

Season 3, Episode 4: Killer Within

Lori may have divided opinions among fans due to her earlier indecision, but her death remains a deeply emotional moment. Her selfless act of sacrifice for her child stands out, as she accepted her fate for the sake of her newborn’s survival. Her final words to Carl, emphasizing his importance, were heart-wrenching as Maggie performed the necessary procedure, solidifying the tragedy of a mother’s love.

1 Carl Grimes

A Selfless Act for the Greater Good

Season 8, Episode 9: Honor

Carl’s character arc came to a poignant close when he was bitten while assisting Siddiq. His goodbye is particularly touching as he passes on his father’s hat to Judith, symbolizing legacy and hope. The episode beautifully portrays Carl’s growth and maturity, making his final interactions all the more poignant for long-time viewers, particularly as he reassures Judith about their family’s strength and resilience in a harsh world.

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