10 General Hospital deaths that broke our hearts

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

The world of soap operas has the unique ability to forge deep emotional connections with the viewers. General Hospital has been one of the longest-running shows. It has been a part of several generations. Shows like these have woven intricate narratives by introducing characters that often start to feel like family.

It subjects the viewers to feel the highs and lows of the characters in the same way that the characters feel. It also leads to the inevitable heartbreak when the beloved character passes away. These fictional deaths resonate profoundly with the viewers, delivering grief. They have the ability to trigger our own memories of loss and deep emotions that we hold within ourselves.

Soap operas develop long-term characters that allow the viewers to invest years in their favorite character's development and growth. This eventually leads to the formation of deep emotional bonds. These connections make their departure even more painful. The dramatic structure of these shows creates a powerful emotional experience. They not only use a strong storyline and talented actors but also the music and background, which adds to the impact of these scenes.

These deaths are an example of the power of storytelling. To explore the complexities of human experience and to provide a shared space for grief. Let’s dive into the 10 General Hospital deaths that broke our hearts.


1)Stone’s death

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

Though Stone was introduced initially as a troubled character in General Hospital, he quickly became a beloved character by the viewers. Stone’s relationship with Robin was a significant aspect of his character. It was both tender and heartbreaking. General Hospital is known for adding relevant topics to the plot structure to add depth to the narrative.

As a result, Stone’s involvement with the AIDS plotline added a layer of complexity to the character. His diagnosis and decline in health were a source of awareness among the viewers of HIV/AIDS. His death was heartbreaking. Throughout the series his presence had created a place in the hearts of the viewers. His death served as a catalyst for the growth of Robin’s character. Stone was a character with kindness, love, and resilience. He will be remembered as a character for his contribution to the lives of the other characters.

2)BJ’s death

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

B.J. was the daughter of Tony and Tania. She was a young character in General Hospital. The death of any child character is heartbreaking. BJ was hospitalized after the school bus accident. After the bus accident, BJ was left brain-dead. On the other hand, Maxie needed a heart transplant as she was suffering from Kawasaki disease.

BJ’s parents decided to donate her heart to Maxie after the accident. Maxie recovered because of BJ’s heart. BJ’s death in General Hospital was heartbreaking. It left a lasting impact on the viewers. Even though BJ’s character was short-lived, she played a crucial role in the lives of other characters, especially Maxie’s.

3)Emily Quartermaine

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

Alan and Monica Quartermaine adopted Emily after her parents died. Her relationship with Nikolas was a constant source of entertainment as she was growing up. After Emily got pregnant and gave birth to Paige, her relationship with Nikolas ended. Her storyline involved romance, family drama, and even personal struggles, especially with her relationship with Nikolas.

Emily was a memorable character in General Hospital. She was murdered after she was strangled. Even after her death, she has left a lasting impact on the lives of the other characters. Nikolas has hallucinations about Emily after her death. She was a character that represented warmth and strength.

4)Courtney Mathews

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

Courtney was a vibrant character in the series. Courtney’s storyline mainly started with her search for her mother. Her relationship with AJ Quartermaine was intriguing. Along with that, her relationship with Jax was also a central element of her character. She was a beloved character of the viewers.

Her tragic death left a profound impact on the other characters, especially on Spencer and Sonny. She has reappeared on the show several times after her death in spirit form to help out other characters. These appearances have been very emotional for the fans of the show.

5)Nathan West

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

Yet another intriguing character of General Hospital whose death left a lasting impact on the viewers. Nathan West was the detective of Port Charles. His romantic involvement with Maxie was the main intriguing factor of his character. As with many of the other characters of General Hospital, Nathan’s story is also very complex.

General Hospital has the ability to bring forth intricate storylines that keep the viewers hooked. Nathan’s integrity and strong moral compass made him a strong pillar of the society. His tragic death was a deep emotional hit for the viewers. The involvement of his father in his death was also a complicated plotline.

6)AJ Quartermaine

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

AJ Quartermaine was a prominent character in General Hospital till his departure. He started off with a privileged life as the son of Alan and Monica Quartermaine. Growing up, he had a privileged life. However, he also suffered with his own battles. AJ's rivalry with Michael Corinthos often led to a complicated relationship dynamic between them.

The viewers resonated with his struggle with alcoholism. His alcoholism led to several conflicts and poor decisions on his part. After he was shot, he went into a coma. Later he passed away tragically. It was heartbreaking to see a pivotal character die. Despite his flaws, he was a well-rounded character.

7)Dominique

Scott carrying Domiquie's body in General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
Scott carrying Domiquie's body in General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

Though Dominique’s character in the long-running soap opera General Hospital was short, she left a lasting impact on the viewers with her nature. Dominique’s storyline started off when she fell in love with Mac and came to Port Charles in search of him. She was in a loveless marriage with Leopold Taub but wanted to be with Mac. Later she fell in love with Scott, though it was also complicated as they initially got married and wanted a divorce.

She was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was inoperable, so she knew that she didn't have too long. As she wanted to have a child with Scott, she opted for surrogacy. However, even before her child could be born, she died. Her death was tragic and left a void in the hearts of the viewers.

8)Oscar

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

When any of our beloved characters end up having a disease that is life-threatening, it truly has an impact. To watch a character that we resonate with, their death often feels personal. For Oscar, his brain tumor came at a time when he was just getting to know his biological father, Drew. Even though his mother tried everything to help her son, there were no treatments that could help him out.

Despite Oscar’s imminent death, he wanted to live the remaining time he had without any regret. He even professed his love for Josslyn. Even though he woke up after his seizure, it had deeply affected his bodily function. He passed away in his sleep.

9)Baby Lila’s death

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

When Sam was pregnant with Sonny’s child, Kristina was battling with leukemia. It was later found that Baby Lila’s umbilical cord was a match for donor stem cells. Sam was against the idea that she would have to undergo induced labor for getting the stem cells.

She was worried it might affect baby Lila. However, Kristina’s mother confronted her, which led to Sam getting in a stressful situation. It caused Sam to experience the placental abruption, which disrupted the blood and oxygen flow to Baby Lila. Even though the doctors tried their best by operating a c-section on Sam, Lila was stillborn. The stem cells from the umbilical cord were later used to help Kristina. The loss of Baby Lila was profound not just for Sam but even for the viewers.

10)Edward Qartermaine

General Hospital | Image Via: ABC
General Hospital | Image Via: ABC

Edward has been a part of General Hospital for a long time. Edward has his share of complicated moments, including one when he tested his daughter’s loyalty to him by pretending to have a heart attack. His daughter refused to save him, which showed him that she was not loyal.

As the patriarch of the influential Quartermaine family, he was an intriguing character. Though he often showed a harsh exterior, deep down he had a deep loyalty towards his family. He passed away due to his declining health issues. Edward Quartermaine was a legacy in General Hospital according to the viewers.


For more interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.

Edited by Ishita Banerjee
comments icon

What's your opinion?
Newest
Best
Oldest