Does Carl die in The Walking Dead?

Last Modified Mar 6, 2025 06:59 EST
Carl Grimes
Carl Grimes (Source: YouTube)


Yes, Carl Grimes does die in The Walking Dead.


For 11 seasons, The Walking Dead has been about the moral compass of Rick Grimes and his group. Each new challenge and encounter shaped Rick as a leader but the world around him was always brutal. The show was notorious for killing off characters when you least expected and when you thought they were safe. From Shane (Jon Bernthal) and Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) in the early days to Hershel (Scott Wilson) and Glenn (Steven Yeun) later on, The Walking Dead never hesitated to kill off the big ones and keep you on your toes.


Warning: The following article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead.


How does Carl die in The Walking Dead?


In The Walking Dead, Carl Grimes meets his end not at the hands of another person but due to a walker bite. During the eighth season, while assisting Siddiq, a stranger he had crossed paths with, Carl is bitten on the torso by a walker. The bite happens off-screen, and Carl initially keeps the wound hidden from others.


When Rick and Michonne eventually discover the bite, they are devastated. Carl persuades them to lead the other Alexandria survivors to safety through a sewer tunnel, while he stays behind. Then, together, Carl, Rick, and Michonne take shelter in a church, awaiting the inevitable. Carl eventually faces his death alone, and from outside, Rick and Michonne hear the gunshot that signals the end of his life.


Related: Does Rick Die In The Walking Dead


Who plays Carl Grimes in The Walking Dead?


Chandler Riggs
Chandler Riggs (Source: Instagram)


Chandler Riggs portrayed Carl Grimes on AMC’s The Walking Dead from 2010 to 2018. Born on June 27, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia, Riggs began acting early, appearing in stage plays and indie films before landing his breakthrough role as Carl when he was just 10.


Riggs' portrayal of Carl earned him widespread recognition and multiple accolades, including three Saturn Awards for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series and a Young Artist Award. Through eight seasons, he appeared in 77 episodes as a main cast member, with a brief return in season 11.


After The Walking Dead, Riggs took on a role in the ABC drama A Million Little Things, which ran for five seasons. In 2023, he lent his voice to Superman in the animated film Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One.


Read more about The Walking Dead:


Who dies in the walking dead season 8

Who dies in the walking dead season 9

Who dies in the walking dead season 10

FAQ's On Carl in The Walking Dead

 A. Carl Grimes was killed off in The Walking Dead as the showrunners wanted to give Rick a reason not to kill Negan during the final battle between the Saviours and the Alexandria residents.

 A. Negan cried over Carl’s death as he genuinely respected Carl and had plans to groom him to become a Savior.

A. Carl Grimes dies in Season 8, Episode 9 of The Walking Dead.

Related Stories

Top 5 TV shows of 2025 worth watching (& 4 that you can skip) Top 5 TV shows of 2025 worth watching (& 4 that you can skip)
Top 5 TV shows of 2025 worth watching (& 4 that you can skip)
2d
5 highest-rated Andor episodes that define the show at its best 5 highest-rated Andor episodes that define the show at its best
5 highest-rated Andor episodes that define the show at its best
2d
Danny Ramirez is not coming back as Manny in The Last of Us Season 3, here's why Danny Ramirez is not coming back as Manny in The Last of Us Season 3, here's why
Danny Ramirez is not coming back as Manny in The Last of Us Season 3, here's why
2d
The Copenhagen Test: Should you watch or skip the Peacock thriller? A viewer's guide The Copenhagen Test: Should you watch or skip the Peacock thriller? A viewer's guide
The Copenhagen Test: Should you watch or skip the Peacock thriller? A viewer's guide 
1d
"So fine that I am great": Will Trent Season 4 official trailer surfaces as Ramón Rodríguez returns to fresh new action "So fine that I am great": Will Trent Season 4 official trailer surfaces as Ramón Rodríguez returns to fresh new action
"So fine that I am great": Will Trent Season 4 official trailer surfaces as Ramón Rodríguez returns to fresh new action
2d
Steal: What role will Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner play in the upcoming Prime Video crime drama? Details revealed Steal: What role will Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner play in the upcoming Prime Video crime drama? Details revealed
Steal: What role will Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner play in the upcoming Prime Video crime drama? Details revealed
2d
5 Tom Hiddleston movies and TV shows that you need to watch at least once 5 Tom Hiddleston movies and TV shows that you need to watch at least once
5 Tom Hiddleston movies and TV shows that you need to watch at least once
2d
HBO's Harry Potter needs to set this important Weasley Twins plot point early on HBO's Harry Potter needs to set this important Weasley Twins plot point early on
HBO's Harry Potter needs to set this important Weasley Twins plot point early on
2d
Walking on Thin Ice ending explained: Eun-soo's final struggle and Kyung's heartbreaking realization Walking on Thin Ice ending explained: Eun-soo's final struggle and Kyung's heartbreaking realization
Walking on Thin Ice ending explained: Eun-soo's final struggle and Kyung's heartbreaking realization
15h
HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry will not get a chance to compete in the Primetime Emmys- here’s why HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry will not get a chance to compete in the Primetime Emmys- here’s why
HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry will not get a chance to compete in the Primetime Emmys- here’s why
2d