The Most Shocking Deaths in Yellowstone: John Dutton and Others
The cultural impact of Yellowstone can be attributed to the show’s boldness, particularly in its willingness to portray shocking deaths.
Since its debut on Paramount in 2018, the series has chronicled the trials of the fictional Dutton family, who own Montana’s largest ranch. Many fans were attracted by Kevin Costner‘s role as the family patriarch, John Dutton, but they have also appreciated performances by Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Gil Birmingham, Cole Hauser, and Kelsey Asbille.
Despite its rapid success, Yellowstone encountered significant behind-the-scenes turmoil. In February 2023, speculation arose concerning Costner’s role in the series due to reported friction between him and creator Taylor Sheridan regarding the shooting schedule, especially after the first half of Season 5 aired while production on the latter half was delayed.
After a protracted break, Costner announced in early 2024 that he would not return to the show. Following this, John’s character met a fatal end, and Costner was candid about his character’s exit.
“To be completely honest, I was unaware it aired last night. That’s a true story. I saw ads featuring my face and thought, ‘Wow, I’m not in that one.’ I genuinely didn’t know yesterday was the day,” Costner shared during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program in November 2024. “I heard it ends with a suicide, which doesn’t exactly make me eager to watch it.”
Even amidst reported tensions, fellow cast members have continued to support the broader Yellowstone franchise — a spinoff focused on Beth (Reilly) and Rip (Hauser) was reportedly greenlit during Season 5’s run.
Keep reading to revisit some of the most surprising deaths in Yellowstone history:
Lee Dutton
One of the most unexpected deaths occurred in Season 1 when Lee (Dave Annable) was shot and killed by Robert Long while attempting to reclaim cattle from the Broken Rock Reservation.
Teal Beck
Teal (Terry Serpico), who caused chaos throughout Season 2, met his end at the hands of Kayce Dutton while he pleaded for mercy — all while sitting on the toilet.
Dan Jenkins
Although land developer Dan Jenkins resolved his issues with the Dutton family in Season 2, he ultimately faced a deadly fate, shot and killed by mercenaries at his residence.
Malcolm Beck
In Season 2, Malcolm (Neal McDonough) engaged in a gunfight with John, which ended with his demise. John shot Malcolm in both the stomach and wrist as he attempted to retrieve his fallen firearm.
Sarah Nguyen
Journalist Sarah (Michaela Conlin) was murdered in Season 2 by Jamie, who manipulated the situation to appear as an accidental kayaking incident.
Wade Morrow
After betraying the Duttons in Season 3, Wade (Boots Southerland) faced lynching at the hands of Rip (Hauser) and fellow ranchers after an assault on Teeter and Colby at the creek.
Garrett Randall
Jamie Dutton’s biological father, Garrett (Will Patton), was a central antagonist in Season 4. He ultimately met his end when Jamie shot him in the side of the head.
Roarke Morris
In Season 4, Rip dispatched Roarke (Josh Holloway) by tossing a rattlesnake at him, leading to Roarke’s quick death from the snake’s venom.
Donnie Haskell
In Season 4, Sheriff Donnie (Hugh Dillon) died during a diner heist gone wrong. He was shot in the chest while eating as gunfire erupted in the cafe.
John Dutton
The Dutton patriarch appeared to have died by suicide before it was disclosed that John’s demise was the result of a murder-for-hire scheme.
Sarah Atwood
In Season 5, a hitman is contracted to kill Sarah (Dawn Olivieri) due to her connection to John’s death. She is shot multiple times by assailants and left for dead in her car.
Colby Mayfield
Yellowstone continued to deliver shocking moments in Season 5, including the death of Colby (Denim Richards), who succumbed after being kicked in the chest by a horse.
