The Ultimate Outer Banks Death Toll: Who Dies In Every Season, Including The Shocking Season 4 Finale

The high-stakes world of the Outer Banks is a beautiful but deadly place, where the pursuit of gold and ancient treasures constantly clashes with the brutal reality of the Kooks vs. Pogues rivalry. As of December 18, 2025, the show's body count has risen dramatically, culminating in a devastating Season 4 finale that delivered the most shocking loss yet—the death of a core Pogue. This comprehensive guide breaks down every significant character who has died across all seasons, detailing the circumstances of their demise and the impact on John B, Sarah Cameron, and the rest of the gang.

From the initial hunt for the Royal Merchant gold to the dangerous quest for El Dorado, the Pogues have consistently faced life-threatening situations. The latest season saw the body count rise with several new antagonists and, heartbreakingly, the loss of one of the main group, proving that no one is truly safe in the quest for treasure on the North Carolina coast.

The Complete List of Major Character Deaths in Outer Banks (Seasons 1–4)

The series is notorious for its high-octane action and unexpected twists, often involving characters who seem untouchable. Here is a season-by-season breakdown of the most pivotal deaths that have shaped the narrative and driven the Pogues' journey.

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The Devastating Losses of Season 4: The Core Pogue Who Dies

Season 4 raised the stakes higher than ever, introducing new layers of danger and a new treasure hunt. While several minor antagonists met their end, the finale delivered a gut-punch that fundamentally changes the future of the Pogues.

• JJ Maybank (Season 4 Finale): In what is arguably the most shocking death of the entire series, the impulsive and fiercely loyal Pogue, JJ Maybank, meets a tragic end. The emotional weight of this death, confirmed by showrunners, stems from the shocking revelation that he is killed by his own biological father, Chandler Groff (also referred to as Chandler Goff), in a harrowing confrontation in the finale episode, leaving the remaining Pogues—John B, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo—in utter devastation. The character, played by Rudy Pankow, was a fan favorite, making his sudden, violent death a major turning point for the show.
• Wes Genrette (Season 4): An early major casualty of the season, Wes Genrette was one of the first to cross paths with the Pogues in their new treasure hunt, and his death set a dark tone for the season.
• Captain Terrance (Season 4): Terrance, a key figure in the season's storyline, tragically dies while selflessly trying to save Cleo, showcasing the high cost of their adventures.
• Hollis Robinson (Season 4): Killed by the antagonist Groff, Hollis Robinson's death further illustrated the ruthlessness of the new threats the Pogues faced.
• Lightner (Season 4): Lightner is killed by Pope Heyward in an act of self-defense, a traumatic event for the usually composed Pogue.

The Fatal Confrontations of Season 3: The End of Two Titans

Season 3 brought the hunt for El Dorado to a close, but not without two monumental deaths that removed the biggest villain and the most elusive hero from the series.

• Ward Cameron (Season 3 Finale): The long-time antagonist and father to Rafe and Sarah Cameron finally meets his definitive end. After multiple near-death experiences, Ward sacrifices himself in the finale. Shot multiple times, he tackles the mercenary Carlos Singh, sending both of them plummeting off a cliff into the jungle below, ensuring Singh could not harm Sarah. This act of "redemption" solidified his death, freeing his daughter Sarah from his toxic influence.
• Big John Routledge (Season 3 Finale): John B's father, who had miraculously returned after being presumed dead for years, succumbs to his injuries. After being shot by Carlos Singh, Big John loses too much blood. He dies in his son John B's arms on the boat ride home after they successfully find the legendary city of El Dorado.
• Carlos Singh (Season 3 Finale): The ruthless treasure hunter and mercenary who spent the season pursuing the Pogues and Big John for the El Dorado gold. He is killed when Ward Cameron tackles him off a cliff, ending his reign of terror.

The Defining Deaths of Seasons 1 and 2: The Foundation of the Conflict

The first two seasons established the high-stakes nature of the Pogues’ world, with two major deaths that set the stage for all the subsequent drama and conflict between the Kooks and the Pogues.

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• Sheriff Susan Peterkin (Season 1 Finale): The first major character death, Sheriff Peterkin was an honest law enforcement officer who was trying to help John B. She is shot and killed by Rafe Cameron on the tarmac while trying to arrest Ward Cameron for the murder of Big John Routledge (at the time, Big John was still presumed dead). Her death is a pivotal moment, as Rafe's culpability is covered up by his father, Ward, deepening the Cameron family's criminal entanglement.
• Gavin (Season 2): Gavin was the pilot who helped Ward Cameron fake his death (the first time). Ward later kills Gavin to ensure his secret remains safe and to prevent him from revealing the truth about the missing gold. This death further cemented Ward's villainy and his willingness to sacrifice anyone to protect himself and his family's fortune.
• Renfield (Season 2/3): A minor but important henchman, Renfield was involved in the treasure hunt and was another casualty of the escalating violence surrounding the search for the Royal Merchant and other artifacts.

The Lasting Impact of Death on the Pogues and Kooks

The constant threat of death is the engine that drives the plot of Outer Banks. For the main characters—John B, Kiara, Pope, Sarah, and the late JJ—each loss is a scar that fuels their determination and their trauma. The deaths of Sheriff Peterkin and Big John were the original catalysts for the Pogues' relentless pursuit of justice and treasure, forcing them to mature quickly and operate outside the law.

The demise of Ward Cameron, a character who was both a loving father and a monstrous villain, finally provides a twisted form of closure for Sarah Cameron and Rafe Cameron. Ward’s final act of sacrifice, though too late to redeem a lifetime of misdeeds, leaves his children to navigate the world without his corrupting influence, forcing Rafe to potentially forge his own path away from crime.

The Emotional Fallout of JJ Maybank's Death

The death of JJ Maybank, the self-proclaimed "glue" of the Pogues, is the most emotionally resonant moment of the series. JJ was the heart of the group, known for his recklessness but also his unwavering loyalty to his friends, particularly John B. His tragic end at the hands of Chandler Groff, a character who embodies the broken family life JJ always struggled with, is a cruel twist of fate.

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The loss will undoubtedly serve as the main emotional arc for the remaining Pogues in the next season. John B loses his best friend, Kiara Carrera loses the person who finally brought stability and love to her life, and Pope Heyward loses his lifelong companion. The creators have set the stage for a darker, more mature narrative as the surviving Pogues must grapple with profound grief while continuing their lives in the Outer Banks.

Topical Authority: The Outer Banks Kill Count and Entity List

The series, which centers on the clash between the wealthy Kooks and the working-class Pogues, uses its high kill count to illustrate the extreme lengths people will go to for wealth and status. The list of entities and key terms associated with the show’s death toll is extensive, highlighting the depth of the lore:

• Key Characters: John B. Routledge, Sarah Cameron, Kiara Carrera, Pope Heyward, Rafe Cameron, JJ Maybank, Cleo Anderson.
• Victims: Sheriff Peterkin, Big John Routledge, Ward Cameron, JJ Maybank, Wes Genrette, Captain Terrance, Hollis Robinson, Lightner, Carlos Singh, Renfield, Gavin.
• Locations/Treasures: Outer Banks (OBX), The Cut, Figure Eight, Royal Merchant, El Dorado, Poguelandia, Bahamas.
• Actors: Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, Madison Bailey.

The deaths, especially the death of JJ, ensure that the series remains unpredictable and emotionally charged. The Pogues' journey is not just a treasure hunt; it is a fight for survival against a world that constantly tries to destroy them, and the body count is a stark reminder of the cost of their ambition.