20 Saddest Deaths in Sons of Anarchy That Left Fans Heartbroken

The series doesn’t avoid gruesome deaths and tragic events, as each character experiences a decline in their storyline. This gritty drama centered around motorcycle clubs offers an unflinching portrayal of the chaotic and violent nature of such a lifestyle. With death playing a significant role due to its inherent connection to the business, it serves as a recurring theme throughout the show.

Many deaths in shows may not appear to deeply affect viewers, but certain ones can leave an indelible mark, particularly when a main character meets an untimely or unnecessary end. Some deaths evoke sadness due to the strong emotional bond fans have formed with the characters, while others are devastating because of the lasting impact they have on the surviving characters. Even years after a show’s premiere, the saddest deaths can linger in fans’ minds.

Death: Season 6, Episode 4, “Wolfsangel”

Otto Delaney, a member of the SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original), plays an uncommon yet significant part in the television series Sons of Anarchy, spanning six seasons and twenty episodes. What makes this character even more remarkable is that he was created by the show’s creator, Kurt Sutter. Although Otto spent a considerable amount of his time in prison during the series, he consistently demonstrated his loyalty as one of their most dedicated soldiers at various points.

As his life was drawing to a close, Otto found himself tormented by Lee Toric, a one-time U.S. Marshal and brother of a nurse whom Otto had killed during his time in prison. This longstanding grudge led to Otto being subjected to brutal treatment intended to force him into betraying SAMCRO. However, after receiving a makeshift knife from Clay, Otto retaliated by stabbing Toric. This action resulted in the prison guards responding with lethal force, ultimately leading to Otto’s death.

Death: Season 1, Episode 9, “Hell Followed”

Esai Alvarez, who is part of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, happens to be the son of Oakland Charter’s president, Marcus Alvarez. He made his first appearance in Season 1, Episode 8, but met a tragic end in the following episode. Despite Esai’s brief on-screen time, the manner of his demise left a lasting impression on the show. In “Hell Followed,” Clay comes face to face with Marcus, and these two leaders negotiate a truce where Marcus allows the Sons to avenge past offenses against Clay by taking Esai’s life.

Later, the group known as the Sons choose Happy to execute this task. But when fans catch up with Esai next, he’s at the park with his dad, and there’s no trace of Happy. After explaining the arrangement to Esai, Marcus expresses his affection for him just before a food vendor – who turns out to be Happy – stabs him with an ice pick in the neck. Although Esai didn’t spend much time on the show to fully develop as a character, the involvement of his father in his death adds a deeper layer of sadness to the story.

Death: Season 3, Episode 13, “NS”

June Stahl is an ATF agent who joins the “Sons of Anarchy” from behind Deputy Chief David Hale. Right off the bat, she takes action, apprehending Clay and grilling him about Nate Meineke. This initial encounter with the Sons doesn’t result in formal arrests, but it sets Stahl on a convoluted path that tests the limits of legality and leaves a lasting impression on fans as one of the most memorable characters.

In a turn of unforeseen events, Agent Stahl unwittingly sets in motion her own downfall by teaming up with Jax to orchestrate a plan for SAMCRO’s journey to Ireland to secure baby Abel from the IRA. However, Stahl later double-crosses Jax, informing the club about their agreement, thinking this information would prompt SAMCRO to retaliate against Jax. Alas, the club had been privy to the deal all along, resulting in Opie and Unser carrying out Stahl’s execution.

Death: Season 2, Episode 13 “Na Trioblóidí”

Alongside several enduring characters from the series, Half-Sack has been with Sons of Anarchy since its debut episode. Despite not being the most intelligent or physically powerful, Half-Sack was always friendly and consistently demonstrated bravery that matched his unwavering dedication to the club. What’s more, as a former U.S. Army member, his friendly demeanor concealed the fact he was an unexpectedly skilled fighter.

Eventually, his loyalty to the SAMCRO club proved fatal for Half-Sack. In the Season 2 finale, he found himself caught between an angry Cameron Hayes, determined to retaliate against Sons, and Hayes with baby Abel in tow. Despite knowing Hayes wanted the child, Half-Sack bravely attacked him. This valiant but ill-advised action led to Hayes fatally stabbing and killing Half-Sack.

Death: Season 4, Episode 6, “With an X”

In Season 3, Eric Miles joined SAMCRO after the club found itself in need of skilled members following Half-Sack’s demise. Over the course of that season and into the early part of Season 4, Miles demonstrated his competence and reliability as a valuable member of the group. Regrettably, his last actions cast a temporary shadow on his reputation.

Unlike most individuals on the list, Eric Miles wasn’t a victim of a premeditated attack or murder. Instead, he was assigned by the group to safeguard a shipment of cocaine. Eventually, a brick from this shipment went missing. The group quickly cleared Miles as the suspect, but this changed when he discovered the actual thief, Juice. In his bid to escape, Juice ended up killing Miles and framed him for the theft. Although Juice later admitted to the robbery, the group never managed to clear Miles’s name posthumously, expelling him from the club in the process, which made matters worse for Miles’s reputation.

Death: Season 3, Episode 1, “SO”

David Hale, taking over from Chief Unser, made every effort to uphold justice, even forging an alliance with Agent June Stahl to dismantle the motorcycle club he perceived as corrupting Charming. Though not always endearing, he was gradually winning favor among viewers until his tragic demise. Close on the heels of Half-sack’s passing at the end of Season 2, the prospect’s funeral drew together the club and all those who knew them.

Regrettably, during the funeral, adversaries of the club took advantage of the situation to carry out a drive-by-shooting, causing multiple injuries. Additionally, Hale found himself directly in the line of fire, shooting back at the assailants, and one of them drove their vehicle straight towards him. The impact was not just a mere collision for Hale; he was dragged along the street, and by the time Unser and his older brother Jacob arrived, it was already too late – Hale had died. While his death wasn’t the most poignant in the series, it left an indelible impression because viewers were starting to appreciate Hale more and more.

Death: Season 6, Episode 11, “Aon Rud Persanta”

Throughout the series, the strained relationship between Jax Teller and his stepfather, Clay Morrow, gradually intensified. As their visions for the club differed significantly – with Jax advocating for legitimacy and Clay reluctant to let go of the ill-gotten wealth they’d amassed over the years – the bond between father and son started to fray. This isn’t an uncommon dynamic between fathers and sons, but it reached a breaking point when Clay’s corrupt nature was exposed. Not only did he murder Piney, but he also attempted to have Tara harmed, an action that Jax could never forgive.

The strategy Jax employed to eventually lead to Clay’s demise was hardly unexpected by anyone involved. In the end, it was Clay Morrow who inevitably faced his fate. Despite the emotional toll their tumultuous relationship took over the course of the series, the moment of Clay’s passing was still deeply affecting. Redemption for the man who had essentially raised Jax as his own son throughout most of his life could only come in the form of death.

Death: Season 4, Episode 8, “Family Recipe”

Among the original members of SAMCRO, Piney held a significant position. He was not only one of the founding members but also the father of Opie. Much like Donna, his demise had close ties with Clay. Piney harbored doubts about Clay’s integrity. When he unearthed letters that incriminated Clay for murdering Jax’s father, he confronted Clay, which ultimately led to Clay planning Piney’s elimination. To conceal the truth, Clay orchestrated Piney’s death to appear as if it was carried out by Lobos Sonora.

Piney, being the second in command, played a crucial role in the club. Not only did his death deepen Opie’s descent into revenge and violence following his father’s demise, but he also held the power to challenge Clay by unveiling the truth about the club’s leader. His passing was regretful yet seemed predestined.

Death: Season 6, Episode 13, “A Mother’s Work”

Eli Roosevelt made an appearance in the fourth season of the series, often serving as a persistent adversary for the club. As a lieutenant with the San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Department, he dedicated a large part of that season to falsely incriminating Juice and trying to persuade him to betray the club to save himself. Roosevelt’s ruthless methods drove Juice to the brink, almost causing him to take his own life in desperation. Despite being a constant nuisance for the club throughout seasons 4, 5, and 6, viewers gradually developed empathy for Roosevelt as they witnessed a more compassionate side of his character.

As a devoted cinephile, I found it quite fitting that in Season 6, when Roosevelt arrived at the crime scene where Gemma had just taken her daughter-in-law’s life, it was none other than Juice who ended his existence. Once the gravity of Gemma’s actions became clear to Roosevelt, he attempted to report it over the radio, but before he could utter a word, Juice fired a fatal shot into his back.

Death: Season 1, Episode 12, “The Sleep of Babies”

In another scenario, one member of the club believed Opie had deceived them and decided to take revenge. Unfortunately, Tig trailed Opie’s vehicle unknowingly, as Donna was driving instead. A tragic accident occurred, taking Donna’s life. This event left a profound impact on Opie, pushing him back towards his former lifestyle as an outlaw, as he grappled with the loss of his wife.

Following Donna’s demise, Opie was consumed by guilt and sorrow, as he couldn’t shake off the feeling that her fate, intertwined with the motorcycle club, was somehow his doing. This emotional burden not only affected him but also caused discord among the members of SAMCRO in the first season. Opie’s life spiraled downwards due to this guilt and grief, as he struggled to come to terms with his role in their involvement with the club.

2025-06-02 03:41