Does Sarah die in 'Outer Banks' season 3?

Plenty of danger awaits the Pogues, but does Sarah die in 'Outer Banks'? Fans are concerned

Does Sarah die in Outer Banks? Pictured: Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron in episode 302 of Outer Banks
(Image credit: Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix)

All of those signature OBX surprises have fans worried: does Sarah die in Outer Banks' latest season? 

Plenty of danger awaits the Pogues as they hunt down El Dorado, the legendary city of gold, in Outer Banks season 3, which premiered on Netflix on Thursday, February 23. In turn, Sarah Cameron's stans are uncertain whether or not the leading lady (played by Madelyn Cline) makes it out of the new season alive. 

Considering the precarious situations she faces, it's definitely not unlikely that she could meet her demise this go around! Here's what to know about the fate of the beloved OBX character. 

*Warning: spoilers ahead!*

Does Sarah die in 'Outer Banks' season 3?

Although there are some close calls in Outer Banks season 3, to put it mildly, Sarah Cameron does not die. 

When a past romantic partner resurfaces, things quite literally get heated. Sarah's ex-boyfriend Topper (Austin North) puts his former love, her beau John B (Chase Stokes) and the rest of the Pogues in a very dangerous situation in episode 8 when he jealously sets fire to John B's house. Luckily, the group was able to make it out, even though viewers initially had their doubts about a safe exit. 

Topper's reckless actions are but one instance that put Sarah's life in danger. In that dramatic Outer Banks season 3 ending, Sarah is held at gunpoint by one of Carlos Singh's henchmen, Ryan (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) but at the very last moment, her villainous father Ward (Charles Esten) changes loyalties to come to her defense and sacrifices his own life for hers. 

"It only seemed right that the one time Ward showed up for Sarah without any ill intent or underlying malice was the one time that it killed him," Madelyn Cline revealed to W.

She added: "[Co-creator] Shannon Burke asked me, 'If Ward fell backward off the cliff, how do you think Sarah would react?' And I was like, 'Sarah is so angry at her father. I don’t know if she would react. I don’t know if she could even process that in the moment.'"

Ward Cameron might be gone—for real this time—but Sarah has another adventure ahead of her: The group will seemingly crack the mystery of the notorious pirate Blackbeard and long-lost treasure in Outer Banks season 4.

But for now, the actor behind the role is relieved that the third season of the hit Netflix series has premiered. According to Cline, the hard part is over. 

"It’s always so funny dancing around plot lines that you don’t want to give away, so I feel like there’s a weight that’s been lifted off my chest," she further revealed to W

Of her character's journey, Cline told Entertainment Weekly: "Sarah has gone through so much and she's come out so strong. She's learned so much about herself in such a short amount of time at such a young age, and she's very, very badass. She's finally out of the bubble wrap, and it's what she always wanted."

Here's hoping our OBX lead will be as resilient as ever come the Pogues' next chapter!

All three seasons of Outer Banks are now streaming on Netflix.

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.