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 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.
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.
