My Hero Academia has powerful pro heroes who have given their best to save innocent citizens from villains. Among them, there is Hawks who, whose real name is Keigo Takami, is introduced as a flashy, laid-back, and cocky pro hero.
But beneath the surface, he has climbed the ranks to become the Number 2 Pro Hero, right behind Endeavor. During one of his missions, Hawks was critically injured, which led to fans asking if Hawks would die in the series.
No, Hawks does not die in My Hero Academia. Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries during one of the most intense battles in the series, the Wing Hero survives and continues playing a key role in the ongoing war against the villains.
But before we talk about the situation that resulted in him getting injured, it is important to know more about his Quirk. It is known as Fierce Wings. It allows him to control every feather he has. This ability is great for flight, offense, rescue, and defense. Although his Quirk is undoubtedly strong, what makes him truly fearsome is his tactical intelligence and adaptability.

Hawks is unlike any other character, as he operates like a master strategist. He is trained to think three steps ahead. However, his only limitation is that if his wings are burned or damaged, it takes time for them to regrow.
During the time he needs to wait it out, Hawks in My Hero Academia is the most vulnerable in this period. And that vulnerability is exactly what the villains exploit in his most harrowing encounter.
He has his biggest and most important mission, in which Hawks needs to infiltrate the League of Villains, particularly the newly formed Paranormal Liberation Front. This was a direct command by the Hero Public Safety Commission. Furthermore, this undercover role was a high-risk, high-reward operation. Although his presence was under surveillance by Dabi, who was suspicious of Hawks.

While maintaining his cover, Hawks is tasked with gathering information and laying the groundwork for the massive raid on the Paranormal Liberation Front’s hideout. It's a mission that weighs heavily on him, especially as he must build trust with villains and occasionally commit morally ambiguous acts to preserve his identity.
During this mission, the Heroes plan to raid the organization. Pro heroes, including Endeavor and Hawks, launch an all-out assault on the villain's hideouts. Hawks uses the chaos to try to take down high-ranking members, particularly Twice (Jin Bubaigawara), whose Quirk allows him to create countless copies of himself and others.
With the decision to eliminate the threat, Dabi unleashes his wrath upon Hawks. Dabi uses blue flames, which burn hotter than Endeavor’s, and Hawks is at a critical disadvantage. Despite trying to escape, Hawks is mercilessly burned. His wings are reduced to ash, his back scorched, and he’s left barely breathing. Ultimately, Fumikage Tokoyami arrives just in time to rescue his mentor.
Hawks’ emotional struggles in My Hero Academia

Even after Hawks was injured in My Hero Academia, killing Twice haunts him, and he feels bad because he had to make that decision. This choice made him realize how much he had blurred the lines between duty and humanity. At the end of the day, Twice may have been a villain, but was loyal and kind-hearted.
Interestingly, Hawks' remorse shows the emotional weight that comes with being a hero in a morally complex world. After this incident, his relationship with Endeavor also deepens. Hawks in My Hero Academia grows to understand and respect the man behind the title of Number 1 Hero.
In conclusion, Hawks did not die in My Hero Academia, but he almost did. His battle with Dabi leaves him physically crippled and emotionally shaken, but it also becomes a turning point in his character arc. Hawks may have lost much, but he gains clarity, purpose, and, ultimately, redemption.