5 Shocking Reasons Why Ashtray's Death In Euphoria Might Not Be Final

The question of "Does Ash die in Euphoria?" has haunted fans since the explosive and heartbreaking Season 2 finale, which aired in early 2022. The dramatic shootout at the apartment shared by Ashtray and his older brother, Fezco, resulted in a tragic end for the young, stoic drug dealer, leaving viewers reeling from the violence and the loss of one of the show’s most beloved, albeit most dangerous, characters. As of December 10, 2025, while the on-screen evidence strongly points to his death, a persistent ambiguity and the actor's own comments continue to fuel speculation about his potential return in the highly anticipated *Euphoria* Season 3.

The character of Ashtray, played by Javon Walton, met his apparent fate during a tense SWAT raid, a direct result of Custer's betrayal after the murder of Mouse. Ash's final act was one of fierce, protective loyalty to Fezco, sacrificing himself by barricading himself in the bathroom to face the police alone, ultimately taking a fatal bullet. This shocking conclusion to the Season 2 arc cemented Ashtray's tragic fate, but the lack of an explicit, undeniable on-screen death confirmation has kept the hope of his survival alive for the *Euphoria* fanbase.

The Tragic Shootout: Ashtray’s Final, Loyal Stand

The events leading up to the Season 2 finale were a ticking time bomb for the drug-dealing duo, Fezco and Ashtray. The tension peaked when Laurie's threats and the fallout from the murder of Mouse—which Ashtray carried out—came to a head.

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In the final episode, titled "All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned for a Thing I Cannot Name," the police, tipped off by Custer, arrive at the apartment. Fez attempts to take the blame for the murder and surrender, but the fiercely protective Ashtray refuses, stabbing Custer in the neck to prevent him from cooperating with the police.

What followed was a devastating confrontation. Ashtray locked himself in the bathroom with a stash of weapons, leading to a brutal exchange of gunfire with the SWAT team. In a devastating moment, Ash accidentally shoots Fezco through the door before being shot himself by an officer. The scene is extreme, and although we see the young character shot, the show leaves a sliver of doubt, which is common in television to allow for future plot twists.

Javon Walton's Hopes and the Rewritten Ending

The actor who plays Ashtray, Javon Walton, has been a central voice in the conversation about his character's fate. He has openly discussed the original plan for the *Euphoria* Season 2 finale, which was rewritten before filming.

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Walton revealed that the initial script had Fezco being the one to be shot, not Ashtray. This change was a massive shock to the cast and crew, shifting the entire narrative weight onto Ash’s shoulders for the final, tragic confrontation. The actor has publicly stated his hope that Ashtray is still alive, suggesting that the character is tough enough to survive even a serious gunshot wound.

However, in more recent comments, Walton has also acknowledged the stark reality of the scene. Although he's stated that he's "moved on" to other projects, he has also been quoted saying, "I do think Ash is dead," which tempers the fan theories. This back-and-forth from the source—the actor himself—is a key reason why the question of Ash’s survival remains a hot topic for *Euphoria* Season 3 speculation.

Why Fans Believe Ashtray Could Still Be Alive for Season 3

Despite the overwhelming evidence suggesting his death, the *Euphoria* fanbase is notorious for dissecting every scene and plot point, leading to several compelling theories about Ashtray's return. The relationship between Fez and Ash was one of the purest and most tragic in the series, making his death particularly hard for viewers to accept.

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1. The Unseen Body Ambiguity

The primary argument for Ashtray's survival is the classic television trope: we never explicitly see a body or a definitive confirmation of death from the authorities. While the sound and visual of him being shot by the officer are clear, the camera cuts away, leaving the final outcome open to interpretation. In a show that deals heavily in trauma and shocking reveals, a character surviving a seemingly fatal wound is not out of the question.

2. The Rue Bennett Connection

Ashtray and Fezco were central to Rue Bennett's drug arc in Season 2. While Rue (Zendaya) is attempting to get clean, the lingering threat of Laurie and the need for closure on her drug-dealing past might require Ash to resurface. His survival could be a dramatic plot device to pull Rue back into the dangerous world she's trying to escape.

3. Fezco's Season 3 Arc

With Fezco (Angus Cloud) arrested and his fate unclear, the return of Ashtray would provide a powerful emotional anchor for his storyline in Season 3. Their bond as brothers, despite their life of crime, was a highlight of the series. The possibility of Ash being in a juvenile detention center or a hospital, rather than dead, would serve as a powerful motivator for Fez's actions going forward.

4. The Character's Resilience

Ashtray's backstory is one of extreme resilience. He was essentially raised by Fez’s grandmother and became a hardened drug dealer at a young age. He is a survivor. Fans argue that a character with his level of street smarts and sheer toughness could potentially survive a non-fatal shot, or that the shot was not as lethal as it appeared.

5. The Show’s History of Shock Value

*Euphoria*, created by Sam Levinson, thrives on shock and unexpected twists. Bringing back a character who was presumed dead would be a massive, headline-grabbing move that aligns perfectly with the show’s dramatic style. While many viewers on platforms like Reddit believe he was "pretty much executed" and wouldn't survive, the show's narrative choices often prioritize drama over realism.

The Verdict: What to Expect in Euphoria Season 3

While the overwhelming on-screen evidence from the *Euphoria* Season 2 finale suggests that Ashtray is dead, the lack of a definitive visual confirmation, combined with Javon Walton's hopeful comments, means the door is technically ajar. The actor’s desire for a return, the fan theories, and the potential for a massive twist all contribute to the lingering uncertainty.

For now, the character of Ashtray must be considered deceased in the show's timeline. His tragic and loyal sacrifice is a defining moment of the series, profoundly impacting the lives of Fezco, Rue, and the overall narrative. However, until *Euphoria* Season 3 officially premieres, the question of whether Ash truly died will remain one of the show's most compelling mysteries.