Top 10 Soap Opera Deaths That Utterly and Completely Broke Our Hearts

Saying goodbye to a beloved soap opera character, who suddenly passes away, is always gut-wrenching for fans. But, sadly, they’ve had to bid adieu to many over the years, each evoking plenty of tears and heartache.

Top 10 Soap Opera Deaths

Which shocking demises stand out from the four remaining dramas currently on the air? Here’s a look at the top 10 soap opera deaths from The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.

1. BJ on GH
Tony (Brad Maule) and Bobbie Jones (Jackie Zeman) were devastated when daughter B.J. suffered a traumatic brain injury during a school bus crash in 1994. When the little girl was pronounced brain dead, Tony made the agonizing decision to take B.J. off life support and donate her heart to her ailing cousin, Maxie. In a poignant post-surgery moment, Tony laid his head on Maxie’s chest to hear his daughter’s heart beating.

2. Bo on DAYS
After being held captive for nearly three years, Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) returned to his wife, Hope (Kristian Alfonso), and their family in 2015, but their happy reunion was short-lived. It was quickly revealed he had a brain tumor and near death. After a big welcome home party, Bo reminisced about his love story with Hope in the park, before expiring in her arms.

3. Cassie on YR
To help a drunk Daniel, Cassie Newman (Camryn Grimes) attempted to drive him home from a party, but a fatal car crash ensued. Everyone assumed Daniel had been driving, and when Cassie tragically died, Sharon (Sharon Case) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) were devastated. Nick became consumed with making Daniel pay for his teenage daughter’s death. By the time the truth was revealed, Sharon and Nick’s marriage was destroyed.

4. Stephanie on BB
After being informed by her doctor that her lung cancer had returned, Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery) opted not to seek further treatment. Instead, she decided to make the most of her final days and hosted a big party to say goodbye to her loved ones. Then she slipped off to a cabin alone. In the end, Stephanie summoned Brooke to her side and died peacefully in her arms.

5. Katherine on YR
The grand dame of Genoa City’s soap opera death was scripted after actress Jeanne Cooper passed away at the age of 84. Ironically, the soap had the perfect out, as Katherine Chancellor had already been recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor. In her final scene, Jill watched as Katherine climbed the stairs and headed to her bedroom to rest. She would never walk down those steps again.

6. Isabella on DAYS
After marrying John (Drake Hogestyn) and giving birth to their son, Brady, Isabella Toscano (Staci Greason) had everything to live for, but then things took a tragic turn. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Wanting to die in her homeland, John took his bride back to Italy and tended to her every need. Isabella’s last wish was that John dance with her, so he picked her up and obliged. Then she peacefully succumbed in his arms.

7. Stone on GH
Stone Cates (Michael Sutton) was stunned to learn he tested HIV positive, but even more devastated knowing he’d just made love to his teenage girlfriend, Robin (Kimberly McCullough). Eventually diagnosed with AIDS, Stone’s health quickly deteriorated, compromising his eyesight. Robin, who soon tested positive for HIV, remained by Stone’s side until his demise. In his final moment alive, Stone saw Robin clearly as she stood by the window, then he closed his eyes and died.

8. Caroline on BB
Caroline Spencer (Joanna Johnson) had finally wed her true love, Ridge, when she was dealt a shattering blow. She learned she was dying of leukemia. As the pair attempted to enjoy their last days together, Ridge gifted his bride with a collection of charms for her bracelet, sadly representing all the moments they would never share together, making her realize he knew her fate. Soon after, Caroline took her final breath in Ridge’s arms.

9. Zack on DAYS
The death of young Zack Brady tore his family apart when it was revealed that his half-sister Chelsea (Rachel Melvin) had hit him with her car while texting and driving. Hope (Kristian Alfonso) found her son’s body on the side of the road and rushed him to the hospital, where he was declared brain dead. Bo and Hope grieved their precious little boy while making sure he didn’t die in vain. The couple donated Zack’s liver to his niece, Claire, and his corneas to Abe (James Reynolds).

10. Neil Winters, YR
When Kristoff St. John sadly passed away at the age of 52, YR was forced to script the untimely death of Neil Winters. Devon (Bryton James) grew worried when his father didn’t show up for the opening of his restaurant, so he went to check on him at home. Devon was stunned to discover Neil had died in his sleep from a massive stroke. The soap opera honored the actor and Neil in a poignant wake, where real life and reel life intertwined for one of the most powerful moments ever on daytime.