Who died in explosive ‘The White Lotus’ S3 finale?

‘The White Lotus’ season 3 finale aired on April 6, bringing with it a tragic and emotionally charged conclusion that left fans both devastated and contemplative. The long-anticipated question that had loomed throughout the season—“Who dies at The White Lotus?”—was finally answered, with not one but two central characters meeting their end in a harrowing final act.

Fan favorites
The 90-minute feature-length finale delivered a gut-punch of emotions as the storylines converged in chaos. Chelsea (played by Aimee Lou Wood) and Rick (Walton Goggins), who had become fan favorites for their chemistry and complex emotional arcs, were the two unfortunate guests whose vacation ended in heartbreak and death. Rick, who had been grappling with inner turmoil and his traumatic family history throughout the season, reached what seemed to be an emotional turning point. But that fragile peace was quickly shattered with the arrival of Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), the man Rick had long believed to be responsible for his father’s death.

That revelation which shook us!
Rick shoots Jim—only to be met with an earth-shattering revelation from Sritila (Lek Patravadi), who reveals that Jim was, in fact, Rick’s real father all along. The truth unravels just seconds before chaos erupts, resulting in a shootout that leaves both Rick and Chelsea dead. The sequence, tense and heartbreaking, brought an explosive end to a storyline steeped in grief, identity, and misunderstood legacy.
“People are going to have a million different opinions”
Creator Mike White, known for his ability to weave satire and human emotion with stunning backdrops and layered characters, had already warned fans to prepare for mixed reactions. In a pre-finale interview with The Hollywood Reporter, White said he hoped the ending would be seen as a “cathartic sad or a satisfying sad,” rather than a jarring shock. “People are going to have a million different opinions,” he admitted. “You just hope you stick the landing.”
Charlotte Le Bon, who played Chloe, may have said it best when she warned, “People are going to hate Mike White.” Indeed, the emotional weight of the finale is expected to spark intense conversations among the show’s passionate fanbase.
“I’m just excited to watch the finale with the rest of the world”
Adding to the mystery and tension leading up to the finale was the secrecy that surrounded the production. Many cast members were deliberately kept in the dark about the actual ending. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, who portrayed Saxon Ratliff, admitted he didn’t even know how the season would conclude. “I’m just excited to watch the finale with the rest of the world,” he said. “I actually have no idea what happens.” Producer David Bernad revealed that fake endings were distributed on set to avoid leaks—an unusual but effective tactic that preserved the show’s dramatic impact.

Elsewhere in the finale, other character arcs were resolved with varying degrees of closure. The Ratliff family, teetering on the edge of collapse, narrowly avoided tragedy when young Lochlan accidentally ingested a poisoned smoothie—but miraculously revived in his father's arms. Though they survived, their journey home is bound to be haunted by the fallout of Timothy’s criminal financial dealings.
Meanwhile, the trio of friends—Laurie, Jaclyn, and Kate—managed to reconcile after episodes of interpersonal drama, leaving The White Lotus with a renewed sense of connection. And in a twist reminiscent of the show's earlier seasons, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) walked away $5 million richer after agreeing to stay silent about the circumstances surrounding the death of Greg’s wife, hinting at a murky underworld that continues to thrive beneath the surface.
Want to watch season 3?
Well, check out our review first!. We gave the season 3.5 stars out of 5 and our review reads, “There are many things to like technically and creatively, but what makes White Lotus refreshingly different is its flawed lead characters – the spoilt rich brats seen through the lens of the working class. A strange family of five, three bickering girlfriends in their late 40’s, an odd couple and a blooming local love story within the resort. The new batch of actors (barring one character who is seen in all 3 seasons) succeed in giving the series what it needs. The casting is near perfect. Aimee Lou Wood’s naïve exuberance and perfectly imperfect teeth are a highlight. Walton Goggins is excellent as her (balding) brooding boyfriend with mysterious sinister motives, Parker Posey’s viral accent as Victoria Ratliff is Instagram’s delight for a reason. Jason Isaacs as her husband Timothy Ratliff and Patrick Schwarzenegger as their son Saxon Ratliff deliver standout performances too. Schwarzenegger junior in particular nails his part. Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb and Michelle Monaghan are perfect as three best friends who finally drop their guard.”