I still haven’t fully recovered from the emotional toll of multiple character deaths in The Last of Us season 1 — but there’s one in particular that continues to haunt me whenever I revisit the critically acclaimed HBO series.

With the premiere of season 2 fast approaching, now is the perfect time for viewers to revisit what happened in the first season, which originally aired in January 2023. Like other standout HBO dramas such as Game of Thrones and Chernobyl, The Last of Us delivers unforgettable — and often heartbreaking — death scenes.

Season 2, developed for television by Craig Mazin, will bring back several major characters from season 1, most notably Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams. The show remains a high point among recent video game adaptations turned prestige TV, joining the ranks of Amazon’s Fallout and Netflix’s The Witcher.

The first episode of The Last of Us season 2 is set to premiere on HBO and Max on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

I’m Still Not Over Sam’s Death From The Last Of Us Season 1 Episode 5

Sam’s Death In The HBO Series Is More Tragic Than In The Video Game

HBO’s The Last of Us made Sam Burrell’s death even more heartbreaking in its live-action adaptation, adding emotional weight to an already devastating storyline. Played by Keivonn Woodard, Sam only appears in two episodes of season 1 — episode 4, “Please Hold to My Hand,” and episode 5, “Endure and Survive,” the latter often considered the most powerful episode of the season.

In a gut-wrenching twist, it’s revealed that Sam, just 8 years old, has been infected. During the night, he turns and attempts to attack Ellie, forcing his older brother Henry to make an impossible decision — killing Sam before he fully transforms. Moments later, overwhelmed with grief, Henry takes his own life.

The live-action version intensifies the tragedy with subtle but powerful choices. Sam, who is deaf, had positioned himself to sleep facing the window, deliberately trying to resist any violent urges during the night — a heartbreaking gesture that ultimately fails. Though Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps infection, Sam still could have fatally harmed her.

The aftermath is no less painful. Joel and Ellie bury both brothers before continuing on their journey, leaving behind one of the most emotionally devastating moments in the series — a scene that lingers long after the credits roll.

The Last Of Us Season 1 Was Full Of Emotional Deaths

Sarah Was The First Tragic Loss & Marlene’s Death Was Shocking

The Last of Us is known not just for its gripping storytelling and world-building, but for its emotionally devastating and masterfully crafted character deaths. Season 1 alone left a lasting impact on viewers with several unforgettable losses.

Among the most haunting is the story of Bill and Frank — a deeply moving portrayal of love and loss that stood out as one of the season’s most poignant arcs. And of course, the pilot episode delivered a gut punch with the heartbreaking death of Joel’s daughter, Sarah — a moment that defined Joel’s trauma and shaped his emotional walls for the rest of the series.

Other major losses include Riley, whose tragic fate added layers to Ellie’s backstory, and Tess, whose sacrifice helped Joel and Ellie move forward. The season’s final emotional blow came with the shocking death of Marlene, leader of the Fireflies, whom Joel kills in a desperate attempt to protect Ellie — a decision that will no doubt have heavy consequences in future episodes.

If season 1 is any indication, fans should brace themselves for even more tragic, powerful, and morally complex deaths in season 2.