Who Died in 13 Reasons Why: Verified Story Outcomes
13 Reasons Why centers on the death of Hannah Baker, a high school student who dies by suicide and leaves behind recordings explaining her reasons. Beyond Hannah, the series depicts several additional deaths, including peers and adults, driven by bullying, assault, accidents, and poor decisions. This overview lists every verified main character death reported in the series and context for how each occurred, based on the show’s four-season arc.
Confirmed Deaths in the Series
| Character | How They Died | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Hannah Baker | Suicide by slitting her wrist in a bathtub | Season 1 |
| Liberty High School Student Body President (Name Unspecified) | Hit by a car in a hit-and-run | Season 1 |
| Bryce Walker | Drowned after being beaten and left in the river | Season 2 |
| Justin Foley | Overdose following untreated HIV and complications | Season 3 |
| Monty de la Cruz | Stabbed in prison during a riot | Season 3 |
| Walton “Wally” Gianno | Shot while robbing a store (off-screen) | Season 4 |
| Ani Achola’s Biological Mother | Implied overdose; not directly shown | Season 4 |
Primary Deaths Driving the Narrative
- Hannah Baker: The catalyst of the series; her suicide and tapes expose how peers and adults failed her.
- Liberty High Student Body President: A hit-and-run early in Season 1 that pressures the administration and students.
- Bryce Walker: His drowning in Season 2 follows widespread anger over his repeated assaults and lack of accountability.
- Justin Foley: His death in Season 3 underscores untreated trauma, substance use, and the consequences of failing to protect vulnerable peers.
- Monty de la Cruz: Dies in prison after retribution for sexually assaulting Tyler; highlights cycles of violence and institutional failure.
Supporting Character Deaths and Context
Several secondary figures also die during the series, often off-screen or referenced rather than depicted. These deaths typically move the timeline forward and illustrate the ongoing ripple effects of poor decisions, substance abuse, and unchecked power.
Character Death References in Season 4
- Wally Gianno: Mentioned as part of a robbery gone wrong, showing the law’s reach and community impact.
- Ani’s Biological Mother: Referenced as struggling with addiction, tying into Ani’s own resilience and search for stability.
Relationship and Context Explanations
Each death in 13 Reasons Why is framed within broader themes of accountability, support, and institutional responsibility. Friendships, romantic dynamics, and family ties are tested as characters confront the fallout of their actions. The series uses these outcomes to explore how individual choices intersect with systemic failures, often leaving survivors to navigate grief and blame.
Clarifying Rumors and Misreported Deaths
Across four seasons, some rumored deaths or returns are clarified by the show’s narrative: certain characters believed dead are revealed alive, while others’ confirmed demises close storylines. Clear reporting of who actually dies avoids confusion about timelines and character arcs, especially in a show known for shifting perspectives and revelations.