Yellowstone has never shied away from high-stakes drama and shocking violence. Over its seasons, the show has seen numerous key characters meet their end, often leaving fans reeling. From ranch disputes to calculated revenge, these deaths define the series’ intense, unpredictable tone.
Major Yellowstone Character Deaths
Lee Dutton
- The first major casualty of Yellowstone, Lee (Dave Annable) dies in a cattle dispute during the Season 1 premiere.
- His death sets the tone for the show, igniting a chain of vengeance that impacts the Dutton family deeply.
Robert and Samantha Long
- Robert Long (Jeremiah Bitsui), Lee’s brother-in-law, is killed after a violent confrontation witnessed by Kayce.
- Samantha Long (MorningStar Angeline), Robert’s wife, tragically takes her own life in Season 1, Episode 4, to secure her children’s future.
Fred Myers
- Ranch hand Fred Myers (Luke Peckinpah) is killed by Lloyd Pierce after being fired for insubordination, showing the harsh realities of working on the Dutton ranch.
Dirk Hurdstram
- Jimmy Hurdstram’s grandfather suffers fatal injuries from a beating by meth dealers Ray and Blake in Season 2.
- His death sets off a revenge arc that drives multiple characters into dangerous confrontations.
Sarah Nguyen
- Reporter Sarah Nguyen is murdered by Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) in Season 2, Episode 6 to protect the Dutton family’s secrets.
Ray and Blake
- These meth dealers meet their end in a gas explosion orchestrated by Jimmy in Season 2, Episode 9, avenging his grandfather’s death.
Jason
- Beth Dutton’s assistant Jason (David Cleveland Brown) is killed during a tense confrontation with the Beck family in the same episode.
Torry and Dan Jenkins
- In the Season 2 finale, Dan Jenkins’ head of security, Torry, is killed during a violent raid orchestrated by the Becks.
- Dan Jenkins himself also dies during the chaos, marking one of the bloodiest episodes of the series.
Teal Beck
- Real estate magnate Teal Beck (Terry Serpico) is killed by Kayce to stage a shootout scenario, further escalating the Dutton family’s conflicts.
Wade Morrow
- The latest major death comes in Season 3, Episode 9, when Wade Morrow (Boots Sutherland) is hung by the Dutton men for his prior abuses, showcasing the show’s ruthless justice.
Quick Facts
| Character | Cause of Death | Season/Episode |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Dutton | Cattle dispute | S1, E1 |
| Robert Long | Violence | S1, E1 |
| Samantha Long | Suicide | S1, E4 |
| Fred Myers | Ranch conflict | S1, E4 |
| Dirk Hurdstram | Beating | S2, E4 |
| Sarah Nguyen | Murder | S2, E6 |
| Ray & Blake | Gas explosion | S2, E9 |
| Jason | Assault | S2, E9 |
| Torry | Raid | S2, E10 |
| Dan Jenkins | Raid | S2, E10 |
| Teal Beck | Shootout | S2, E10 |
| Wade Morrow | Vigilante justice | S3, E9 |
FAQs
Q1: Who was the first character to die on Yellowstone?
A1: Lee Dutton was the first major character killed in the series.
Q2: Which episode had the highest body count?
A2: Season 2, Episode 10, featuring the raid on Dan Jenkins’ compound, had the most deaths.
Q3: Are there any deaths due to suicide?
A3: Yes, Samantha Long took her own life in Season 1, Episode 4.
Q4: Has Kayce killed anyone?
A4: Yes, including Teal Beck, as part of the Duttons’ escalating conflicts.
Q5: Who was the latest major character death?
A5: Wade Morrow in Season 3, Episode 9, was the most recent significant death.
Conclusion
Death and revenge are central to Yellowstone, shaping the storylines and driving the tension in Montana. Each loss leaves a lasting impact on the Dutton family and fuels the intense drama that keeps viewers coming back. If you’re catching up, prepare for more shocking twists—because in Yellowstone, no one is truly safe.