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

Netflix releases the first look of Omar Sy from Mercenary, an Extraction series Netflix releases the first look of Omar Sy from Mercenary, an Extraction series
Netflix releases the first look of Omar Sy from Mercenary, an Extraction series
1d
Yellowstone: All cliffhanger storylines that never got addressed by the Taylor Sheridan franchise Yellowstone: All cliffhanger storylines that never got addressed by the Taylor Sheridan franchise
Yellowstone: All cliffhanger storylines that never got addressed by the Taylor Sheridan franchise
2d
Mare of Easttown fans will devour The Accident's twisted take on small-town secrets Mare of Easttown fans will devour The Accident's twisted take on small-town secrets
Mare of Easttown fans will devour The Accident's twisted take on small-town secrets
1d
“Shooting again next summer”: Fallout EP shares exciting filming update on Season 3 as Season 2 premieres “Shooting again next summer”: Fallout EP shares exciting filming update on Season 3 as Season 2 premieres
“Shooting again next summer”: Fallout EP shares exciting filming update on Season 3 as Season 2 premieres
2d
Fallout's Todd Howard reveals that Season 2 of the show will affect the games Fallout's Todd Howard reveals that Season 2 of the show will affect the games
Fallout's Todd Howard reveals that Season 2 of the show will affect the games 
1d
Jon Snow's second resurrection - GOT star Kit Harrington's candid response shuts down revival rumors Jon Snow's second resurrection - GOT star Kit Harrington's candid response shuts down revival rumors
Jon Snow's second resurrection - GOT star Kit Harrington's candid response shuts down revival rumors
2d
The Duffer Brothers had this one important thing in mind while designing the Demogorgon costume for Stranger Things The Duffer Brothers had this one important thing in mind while designing the Demogorgon costume for Stranger Things
The Duffer Brothers had this one important thing in mind while designing the Demogorgon costume for Stranger Things
15h
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins: Release date news, time, cast, streaming details, and more about the upcoming Tracy Morgan show The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins: Release date news, time, cast, streaming details, and more about the upcoming Tracy Morgan show
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins: Release date news, time, cast, streaming details, and more about the upcoming Tracy Morgan show
2d
Shifting Gears Season 2 adds The Office alum Angela Kinsey for a guest role - here's everything to know Shifting Gears Season 2 adds The Office alum Angela Kinsey for a guest role - here's everything to know
Shifting Gears Season 2 adds The Office alum Angela Kinsey for a guest role - here's everything to know
2d
How Fallout Season 2 is making its scariest creatures feel terrifyingly real How Fallout Season 2 is making its scariest creatures feel terrifyingly real
How Fallout Season 2 is making its scariest creatures feel terrifyingly real
20h