How Does Colby Die in ‘Yellowstone’? Breaking Down His Tragic Death Scene

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Yellowstone fans — if you haven’t watched episode 12 of season 5 yet, prepare for what is arguably the most difficult “goodbye” yet. Viewers were heartbroken when the most recent episode aired, watching Denim Richards take his final ride as Dutton family ranch hand Colby Mayfield.

Hollywood Life is breaking down that heart-wrenching death scene, below. Warning: spoilers ahead.

How Did Colby Die in Yellowstone Season 5?

Many fans aren’t sure how they feel about Colby’s death. Some are weeping over the fact that they’ve lost their favorite character, while others are upset over how Colby went out.

Colby dies by risking his life for another character. After younger ranch hand Carter gets cornered by a wild horse, Colby distracts the horse so that Carter can escape. Then, the horse tramples Colby, ultimately killing him.

Who Else Was Killed Off in Yellowstone Season 5?

Aside from Colby, two other characters have died so far in season 5: John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri).

Why Was Colby Killed Off?

Denim explained why his character, Colby, got killed off in season 5. While speaking with Entertainment Weekly in an interview that was published following episode 12’s premiere, the actor said that Colby died for one reason: the risks that come with the cowboy lifestyle.

“We have this saying that everyone’s going to fall off a horse at some point in their life,” Denim told the outlet. “These things do happen, so I do think that there’s that element where I think it is about really wanting to emphasize that this is a reality. It’s kind of poetic because in season 3, Colby gets trampled by a horse multiple times in the river.”

Yellowstone executive producer Christina Voros nodded to Denim’s sentiment during her interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The EP noted that Colby’s death “comes as a shock because it’s so simple, and it’s so grounded in the world in which all these characters work that it’s profoundly tragic.”

“For anyone who really understands the lifestyle of cowboys and working with animals and the risks of the job — and Rip says it about himself — it’s a dangerous job, and this kind of thing happens and it happens in a split-second,” Christina added.

Is There a Yellowstone Season 6?

Paramount has not confirmed whether a season 6 is in development, and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has stated that part 2 of season 5 would be the show’s last. However, spinoffs are in the works.