The final season of Stranger Things promised closure—and bloodshed. Between showrunner confirmations, fan theories, and the intense finale, here’s a deeper look at who met their end in Stranger Things Season 5.
Definitive Deaths: What We Know
Eddie Munson (Previously Confirmed Dead)
First, a quick reminder that Eddie Munson, the beloved Hellfire Club leader, met his fate back in Season 4. The Duffer Brothers have been unequivocal: Eddie is “fully under that ground,” and Joseph Quinn will not return for Season 5. (gamesradar.com) No surprise there, but it’s worth noting—he’s off the table.
Kali Prasad (Eight)
Season 5 finale delivers a heartbreaking moment for Kali, Eleven’s “sister” and fellow experiment. Reappearing to help her allies, Kali is tragically shot by a Hawkins soldier—her final words, “You were never a weapon, only a heart,” deliver emotional weight and closure to her arc. (altitudesmagazine.com)
Henry Creel / Vecna
The central threat, Vecna, finally falls. The final confrontation sees Vecna destroyed by a combined effort—Eleven, Will, and Joyce coordinate a psychic attack and a flamethrower strike to shatter his Mind Flayer core. His death brings a symbolic end to the haunting of Hawkins. (altitudesmagazine.com)
Eleven’s Ambiguous Sacrifice
The scene of ultimate poignancy centers on Eleven. She appears to sacrifice herself within the Abyss to close the gateway between worlds. The emotional farewell—“You made me real, Mike”—and a mysterious post-credits shot of a girl resembling Eleven hint at survival, but the ending remains intentionally open. (altitudesmagazine.com)
Supporting Character & Soldier Casualties
Lt. Akers and Soldiers
Among the more granular casualties: Lt. Akers ends up taking his own life, and several soldiers die amid the chaos as Hawkins falls to pieces. (gamesradar.com)
Main Cast: Who Survives (Mostly)
Despite intense peril, most of Hawkins’ heroes make it through alive:
- Jim Hopper nearly dies more than once but survives.
- Nancy, Jonathan, Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Robin, Joyce, Murray—they all walk away from the finale intact. (capitalfm.com)
- Max remains comatose in the early episodes but is very much alive, mentally active, and integral to the season’s efforts. (yahoo.com)
What the Showrunners Say
Matt Duffer teased that Season 5 features the most “violent” death of the entire series, though it wasn’t clear whether that applied to a major character (nme.com). In the end, while multiple key figures fell—Kali, Vecna, several soldiers—the main group survives for a final hopeful scene.
Wrap-Up with Expert Commentary
“Kali’s death mirrors Eleven’s own emotional journey—she represents what Elle could have become if she let revenge win.”
— TV Analyst Jordan Weiss (altitudesmagazine.com)
Conclusion
Season 5 of Stranger Things stakes its emotional claim with decisive conclusions:
- Definitively Dead: Eddie Munson (prior confirmation), Kali Prasad, Vecna (Henry Creel).
- Likely Gone: Soldiers and Lt. Akers.
- Ambiguous but Hopeful: Eleven.
- Survivors: Main Hawkins group largely end intact.
The creators managed to balance high-stakes drama with the return of beloved characters. No needless character annihilations—just an emotionally resonant conclusion. For more nuance, keep watching the final frames… they might say more than words ever could.
FAQ
Did any main characters actually die in Season 5?
Yes—Kali and Vecna did. Eleven appears to sacrifice herself, but her fate remains open to interpretation.
What happened to Eddie Munson?
His death in Season 4 is final. Showrunners have confirmed Joseph Quinn will not return for Season 5.
Did any soldiers or secondary characters die?
Yes—Lt. Akers and several unnamed soldiers died amid the chaotic final battle.
Does Eleven truly die?
It’s left ambiguous. Her apparent sacrifice is emotionally powerful, yet the show leaves room for viewers’ imagination.
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