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

"What happened in the pods was real": Love Is Blind: Italy star Karen reflects on her and Nicola's blind dates phase "What happened in the pods was real": Love Is Blind: Italy star Karen reflects on her and Nicola's blind dates phase
"What happened in the pods was real": Love Is Blind: Italy star Karen reflects on her and Nicola's blind dates phase
1d
What is X-Cops? Revisiting The X-Files and Cops crossover episode that aired more than two decades ago What is X-Cops? Revisiting The X-Files and Cops crossover episode that aired more than two decades ago
What is X-Cops? Revisiting The X-Files and Cops crossover episode that aired more than two decades ago
1d
Noah Schnapp reveals that Will’s coming out scene was built from Stranger Things Season 1 Noah Schnapp reveals that Will’s coming out scene was built from Stranger Things Season 1
Noah Schnapp reveals that Will’s coming out scene was built from Stranger Things Season 1
1d
The Sopranos took a risk with ‘Pine Barrens’ and delivered one of the best episodes- here’s all about it The Sopranos took a risk with ‘Pine Barrens’ and delivered one of the best episodes- here’s all about it
The Sopranos took a risk with ‘Pine Barrens’ and delivered one of the best episodes- here’s all about it
18h
Take That: Release date news, streaming details, and more about the new U.K. Boyband docu-series Take That: Release date news, streaming details, and more about the new U.K. Boyband docu-series
Take That: Release date news, streaming details, and more about the new U.K. Boyband docu-series
10h
Dark Season 1 Episode 2 recap revisited: Something ominous is unfolding near the plant Dark Season 1 Episode 2 recap revisited: Something ominous is unfolding near the plant
Dark Season 1 Episode 2 recap revisited: Something ominous is unfolding near the plant
15h
Starz shares another bittersweet teaser for Outlander Season 8 Starz shares another bittersweet teaser for Outlander Season 8
Starz shares another bittersweet teaser for Outlander Season 8
1d
Surely Tomorrow Episode 7 recap: Kyeong-do finally chooses Ji-woo Surely Tomorrow Episode 7 recap: Kyeong-do finally chooses Ji-woo
Surely Tomorrow Episode 7 recap: Kyeong-do finally chooses Ji-woo
1d
Station Eleven cast and characters revisited: Here's who brought the HBO Max drama to life Station Eleven cast and characters revisited: Here's who brought the HBO Max drama to life
Station Eleven cast and characters revisited: Here's who brought the HBO Max drama to life
1d
Morticia Addams and Gomez Addams combined net worth: How rich are the favourite Wednesday couple Morticia Addams and Gomez Addams combined net worth: How rich are the favourite Wednesday couple
Morticia Addams and Gomez Addams combined net worth: How rich are the favourite Wednesday couple
13h