For decades, Days of Our Lives has been a staple for fans seeking drama, romance, and surprising twists. But nothing pulls at the heartstrings more than the deaths of beloved characters.
These moments don’t just end storylines—they leave a lasting impact on the fans who have grown to care deeply about the residents of Salem.
Let’s look back at ten of the most heartbreaking deaths in Days of Our Lives history, the scenes that left us in tears, and why they hit so hard.
1. Bo Brady
Who He Was: Bo Brady, played by Peter Reckell, was one of Salem’s most iconic heroes. Known for his rebellious charm, unwavering loyalty, and deep love for his soulmate, Hope, Bo was the town’s protector and a devoted father.
He was one half of the legendary super couple “Bo and Hope,” whose love story was a central part of the show for decades.
Key Death Moment
After being away from Salem for a long time, Bo returned just in time to save Hope from a life-threatening situation. However, he soon revealed that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
In one of the most heart-wrenching scenes, Bo died in Hope’s arms, his final words being, “I love you, Fancy Face,” a phrase that carried decades of shared memories and love.
Memorable Quote
“Don’t ever forget how much I love you, Fancy Face.”
Fan Reaction
Fans were devastated. Bo and Hope had been a couple for so long that it felt like losing a family member. Social media was filled with tributes, reflecting on Bo’s impact and the memories he left behind.
Impact on Other Characters
Bo’s death left Hope in a state of despair. It was a major turning point in her storyline, as she struggled to find her way forward without her partner and true love.
2. Lexie Carver
Who She Was: Lexie Carver, portrayed by Renée Jones, was a dedicated doctor at Salem University Hospital, a loving wife to Abe Carver, and a devoted mother to their son Theo. Lexie was a character known for her compassion and sense of justice, and she was one of Salem’s most beloved residents.
Key Death Moment
After being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Lexie spent her final days cherishing every moment with her family.
In a beautifully emotional scene, she passed away peacefully in Abe’s arms in their garden, surrounded by the memories they had built together.
Memorable Scene
Lexie’s final words to Abe, expressing her love and gratitude, left fans in tears. Her goodbye to Theo and her acceptance of her fate were bittersweet moments that tugged at everyone’s heartstrings.
Fan Reaction
Fans were deeply affected by Lexie’s slow and emotional farewell. Many expressed their sadness over losing such a beloved character and admired the love that Lexie and Abe shared.
Impact on Other Characters
Lexie’s death left Abe devastated, struggling to find his purpose without her. Their son, Theo, faced life without his mother’s gentle guidance, leading to some challenging and emotional storylines for the Carver family.
3. Jack Deveraux
Who He Was: Jack Deveraux, played by Matthew Ashford, was a character who underwent a significant transformation over the years. He started out as a troubled villain but evolved into a beloved family man. Known for his adventurous spirit and deep love for his wife, Jennifer, Jack was a central figure in Salem.
Key Death Moment
Jack’s final moments were filled with heroism and sacrifice. In a dramatic scene, Jack gave his life to save his daughter Abigail during an elevator crash. Pushing Abigail to safety, Jack was unable to escape himself, leaving his family to mourn his sudden and tragic death.
Memorable Scene
The moment when Jack told Abigail, “You’ll always be my little girl,” before making his final sacrifice, left fans heartbroken.
Fan Reaction
Fans were devastated by Jack’s death, not just because of the loss but because of the selflessness of his final act. Viewers who had watched Jack’s growth over the years were moved by how far he had come as a character.
Impact on Other Characters
Jack’s death left Jennifer shattered and struggling to cope with losing her partner. Abigail faced guilt and grief, knowing that her father died to save her, which led to emotional storylines about healing and forgiveness.
4. Will Horton
Who He Was: Will Horton, portrayed by Guy Wilson, was one of the first openly gay characters on Days of Our Lives, known for his journey of self-discovery and courage. Will was a promising young journalist and a devoted father who faced many challenges with strength and resilience.
Key Death Moment
Will’s death at the hands of Ben Weston, also known as the “Necktie Killer,” was one of the most shocking and devastating moments in the show’s history. Will’s murder left his family in shock, particularly his mother Sami, who couldn’t bear losing her son in such a horrific way.
Memorable Quote
“Mom, I love you,” were some of Will’s final words to Sami in a flashback scene that showed their deep bond.
Fan Reaction
Fans were heartbroken by Will’s death, especially because it felt so sudden and unfair. Viewers who had watched Will grow up on the show felt like they were losing a member of their own family.
Impact on Other Characters
Will’s death left Sami devastated and struggling to cope with the pain of losing her son. The entire Horton family was affected, as they dealt with the grief and shock of such a tragic loss.
5. Tom Horton
Who He Was: Tom Horton, played by Macdonald Carey, was the patriarch of the Horton family and a guiding light in Salem. Known for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support of his family, Tom was a beloved figure not just in the show but in the hearts of fans as well.
Key Death Moment
Tom’s death marked the end of an era for Days of Our Lives. He passed away peacefully, and the entire town came together to honor his memory and celebrate the legacy he left behind.
Memorable Scene
The tribute episode to Tom featured flashbacks of his most memorable moments, highlighting his deep connection with his family and the impact he had on Salem.
Fan Reaction
Fans mourned not just the loss of a character, but the loss of an actor who helped shape the show. Tom’s passing felt like saying goodbye to a beloved grandfather figure.
Impact on Other Characters
The Horton family and the entire town of Salem were forever changed by the loss of their patriarch. Tom’s death left a void that couldn’t be filled, and his memory continued to inspire the characters and the show’s storylines.
6. Stefano DiMera
Who He Was: Stefano DiMera, played by Joseph Mascolo, was the ultimate villain of Days of Our Lives. Known as “The Phoenix” for his ability to rise from the ashes, Stefano was the mastermind behind countless schemes and was a central figure in the lives of nearly every character in Salem.
Key Death Moment
Stefano’s final death, at the hands of Hope, was a shocking end to a character who had cheated death so many times before. In a moment of revenge, Hope pulled the trigger, putting an end to Stefano’s reign of terror.
Memorable Quote
“It’s over, Stefano,” Hope said as she confronted the man who had caused so much pain to her and the people of Salem.
Fan Reaction
Even though Stefano was a villain, fans couldn’t help but feel the loss of such an iconic character. Stefano’s presence loomed over Salem for decades, and his final death marked the end of an era, leaving fans to grapple with losing a character they loved to hate.
Impact on Other Characters
Stefano’s death left a power vacuum in Salem, impacting his children and allies who had to navigate life without their father’s influence. Hope also faced the heavy emotional consequences of taking a life, which haunted her storyline in the aftermath.
7. Isabella Toscano
Who She Was: Isabella Toscano, portrayed by Staci Greason, was the love of John Black’s life. She was a kind-hearted and resilient woman who quickly became a fan favorite. Her romance with John was a bright light in Salem, filled with love and devotion.
Key Death Moment
Isabella’s death from pancreatic cancer was one of the most emotional storylines in the show’s history. As she succumbed to the disease, John held her in his arms during her final moments, expressing his undying love for her. Isabella’s quiet and peaceful passing was a poignant moment for fans.
Memorable Scene
In her final words, Isabella thanked John for loving her and making her feel complete. The moment was filled with both love and heartbreak, showcasing the depth of their bond.
Fan Reaction
Fans grieved alongside John, feeling the weight of his loss. Isabella’s death showed that even great love stories could end in tragedy, making it a moment that stayed with viewers for years.
Impact on Other Characters
John struggled to move on after Isabella’s death, and her memory continued to influence his decisions and relationships. Isabella’s passing left a permanent mark on John’s storyline and the hearts of viewers.
8. Zach Brady
Who He Was: Zach Brady was the young son of Bo and Hope Brady. He was a sweet and innocent child who was adored by his family and represented the deep bond between Bo and Hope.
Key Death Moment
Zach’s accidental death was one of the most gut-wrenching moments in Days of Our Lives history.
He was struck by a car driven by his half-sister Chelsea, an accident that tore Hope and Bo apart as they struggled to cope with the unimaginable grief of losing their son.
Memorable Scene
The moment when Hope learned of Zach’s death was heart-wrenching, as she collapsed in tears, unable to process the loss. Bo and Hope’s grief as they said goodbye to their little boy was one of the rawest and most emotional scenes in the show’s history.
Fan Reaction
The death of a child is one of the hardest losses a family can endure, and fans felt that pain deeply. Many viewers were left in tears, feeling the devastation along with Bo and Hope.
Impact on Other Characters
Zach’s death left a permanent scar on his family. Chelsea carried the guilt of her role in the accident, and Hope and Bo faced the challenge of finding their way back to each other after such a heartbreaking loss. The storyline showed how grief can both break and strengthen a family.
9. Arianna Hernandez
Who She Was: Arianna Hernandez, portrayed by Lindsay Hartley, was a passionate and fiery character who had just begun building a future with Brady Black.
She was a complex and determined woman who found herself in the middle of several intense storylines.
Key Death Moment
Arianna’s life was cut short in a hit-and-run accident, leaving Brady devastated and heartbroken. Her final moments were spent trying to reveal a crucial secret to EJ about Sami, but her death left the secret hanging in the air and the characters in turmoil.
Memorable Scene
Arianna’s final conversation with Brady, expressing her love for him and her regrets, left fans feeling the weight of her untimely death.
Fan Reaction
Fans were left in shock and sadness, feeling that Arianna’s story was far from finished. Her sudden death left a void and created new tensions between characters struggling with her loss and the secrets she held.
Impact on Other Characters
Brady was left questioning his decisions and grappling with grief after losing Arianna. Her death had a ripple effect on EJ and Sami’s storyline, creating more layers of drama in their already tumultuous relationship.
10. Alice Horton
Who She Was: Alice Horton, played by Frances Reid, was the beloved matriarch of the Horton family and a symbol of love, wisdom, and kindness in Salem. She was the heart of the town and had touched the lives of nearly every character.
Key Death Moment
When Alice passed away peacefully in her sleep, the entire town came together to honor her memory.
Her death wasn’t just a loss for the Horton family but for all of Salem. The heartfelt tributes and flashbacks celebrating Alice’s life made it clear how deeply she was loved by everyone.
Memorable Scene
As the town of Salem gathered to remember Alice, the tribute episode featured flashbacks of Alice’s most memorable moments and her wise words that guided her family and friends through tough times.
Fan Reaction
Fans were deeply affected by Alice’s death, feeling like they were losing a grandmother figure. Her passing marked the end of an era for the show, and viewers couldn’t help but feel a personal loss as they said goodbye to the beloved matriarch.
Impact on Other Characters
Alice’s death marked a significant turning point for the Horton family and the show as a whole.
Her memory continued to inspire the characters and fans long after her passing, and her legacy of love and family remained a guiding force in Salem.
Why These Deaths Matter
The deaths of beloved characters in Days of Our Lives aren’t just about shock value—they’re about exploring grief, loss, and how these events shape the lives of those left behind.
These moments resonate with fans because they reflect the real highs and lows of life. Even in the fictional town of Salem, the pain of losing someone feels all too real.
Which Death Affected You the Most?
Days of Our Lives fans, which death was the hardest for you to watch? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s remember these characters together.