Who dies in Bridgerton Season 4? Everything you need to know.

This article contains spoilers from the Bridgerton book series.

The first part of Bridgerton season 4 is back and has been dominating every corner of the internet. From thirsty fan edits to brewing theories, it's officially Benedict and Sophie's world, and we're just living in it. 

As we eagerly await the release of Part 2 — and re-watch the first four episodes a million times in the meantime — social media is already flooded with deep dives into every frame.

And based on the Part 2 trailer alone, there's a lot to look forward to, or in some cases, dread.

Fans have caught onto the fact that the trailer features their beloved characters wearing a lot of black. This departure from the show's signature pastel palette suggests that the upcoming episodes will take a significantly darker turn.

Watch: Explaining the rules of Bridgerton's 'Marriage Mart'. Article continues after video.

Not to mention, the sudden return of Anthony Bridgerton might suggest a family emergency of some sort? A death, perhaps? Well, fans are convinced. Someone is dying in Bridgerton Season 4: Part 2. 

But who? Well, lucky for you, we might actually have the answer to that question. 

oh this is deffo a funeral fit…. https://t.co/Ru5EG5yIMN

— benophie era 🎭 (@bageldesh) February 2, 2026

Accidental John death spoiler and confirmation https://t.co/FPY5BixEoi

— mandy ✨ | benophie era (@BattinsonMarvel) January 29, 2026

If you've read Julia Quinn's books — on which the series is based — you'll know that, around this point in the story, there are two significant deaths that take place. 

The first — and, in my opinion, more likely — choice for the source of this impending grief is our beloved John Stirling.

As sweet, wholesome and refreshing as him and Francesca's storyline is this season, those who have read the book will know that, sadly, John eventually passes away, setting the stage for Francesca to fall for his cousin, Michael Stirling (or Michaela in the show).

In the books, Francesca has a long period of mourning over several years following John's death.

While we have not received confirmation of whose story will be explored in Season 5 (though I suspect it will be Eloise), it would make sense for John's passing to occur at this point in the story. This would give Francesca at least one season to grieve and mourn her husband, before beginning her new love story. 

Image: Netflix

The second possibility is the passing of Marina Crane (formerly Thompson).

Book readers are well aware that Eloise's endgame involves Sir Phillip Crane, a romance that only begins after the death of his wife, Marina. You'll remember them from Season 1 and 2.

In the novels, Marina dies from complications following a suicide attempt in a lake, an event that prompts Eloise to reach out to the grieving widower.

If Marina's death occurs in Part 2 of Season 4, it would provide the necessary timeline for some correspondence between the two, effectively positioning Eloise and Phillip as the primary focus of Season 5.

Image: Netflix

However, fans have pointed out a significant hole in this theory, which is that, while Marina's death is a necessary catalyst for Eloise's story, it is unlikely the Bridgertons would be seen in full mourning for her.

Given their distant social connection — and the fact that the Bridgertons are appearing in formal black as a family unit — the mourning attire likely points to a death closer to home. 

Ultimately, however, Bridgerton has never been afraid to stray from its source material. From major gender swaps to completely original subplots, the show is always keeping us on our toes — meaning that until Part 2 officially drops, all we can do is speculate.

Feature Image: Netflix.