The town of Salem is bracing for one of the most heartbreaking and unforgettable storylines in recent memory, as longtime fan-favorite Chad DiMera prepares to make his final exit from Days of Our Lives. With Billy Flynn officially leaving the soap after over a decade of playing the emotionally complex and beloved character, rumors have exploded—and now the unthinkable has been confirmed: Chad DiMera will die.

This isn’t just a typical soap opera departure—it’s an earth-shattering moment that promises to leave fans reeling. Flynn’s portrayal of Chad since 2014 turned the character from a troubled DiMera heir into a layered, passionate, and often heroic man. He endured the darkest lows and found glimmers of hope in family, love, and redemption. Now, all of that could be coming to a bloody and tragic end… and the hand behind it? None other than Clyde Weston.

The End of an Era: Billy Flynn Bids Farewell

When word got out that Billy Flynn would be stepping away from DOOL, fans were shocked and devastated. Flynn wasn’t just playing a role—he was Chad. His performances gave Chad authenticity, a mix of raw vulnerability and DiMera fire that resonated deeply with viewers. From his passionate love story with Abigail to his fierce devotion to their children, Chad’s evolution became one of the show’s emotional pillars.

Flynn’s decision to leave opened the door for what is now one of the most anticipated and dreaded exits in Days history. Writers had a choice: fade Chad out quietly or give him the kind of exit that would leave a permanent mark. It seems they chose the latter.

Death at the Hands of a Villain?

While DOOL has always played fast and loose with death—characters return from the dead more often than they visit Horton Square—this one feels different. Sources close to production confirm that Chad’s death won’t be an off-screen mention or vague disappearance. This will be a full-blown, explosive, emotional event, and Clyde Weston may very well be the one to deliver the fatal blow.

Clyde, the sinister and calculating villain played by James Read, has haunted Salem for years. Even while in a coma, fans have learned never to count him out. Rumblings suggest Clyde may awaken and launch into one last spree of terror—and tragically, Chad might find himself in the crossfire.

Could Chad confront Clyde to protect his children? Could his sense of justice and family loyalty lead to a deadly showdown? Viewers are already preparing themselves for the worst. And in classic soap fashion, even if Chad dies, that doesn’t guarantee he’s gone forever. Salem is known for its resurrections, but for now, this appears to be the final curtain.

What Happens After Chad?

Chad’s death doesn’t just impact one character—it will send shockwaves through the entire town. His deep connections to the DiMera legacy, his relationship with Abigail’s memory, and his role as a father to Thomas and Charlotte will make his absence a gaping hole in Salem’s heart.

How will his children cope? Will Gabi or EJ step in to help raise them? What becomes of Cat Green, with whom Chad was entangled in a complicated romantic storyline? Could EJ and Cat grow closer in grief, setting the stage for a love triangle born out of tragedy?

The ripples will be felt far beyond the DiMera mansion. The soap promises emotional fallout for weeks, if not months, as Salem mourns one of its own.

Other Exit Possibilities Were on the Table

While the death route is confirmed now, there were several potential directions for Chad’s exit. Some believed he might leave town voluntarily—seeking peace and a new start for his children far from the pain and drama of Salem. Others theorized a fake death or a disappearance as part of a long-game twist, allowing for a recast or shocking return years down the line.

But the writers have chosen to go all in. Chad’s death is set to be one of the show’s most intense arcs in recent memory—a storyline that will not only bring tears but also ignite fresh drama for the characters left behind.

A Storyline for the Ages

Insiders are calling the arc “a calculated creative move” meant to stir emotion, boost ratings, and remind fans why Days of Our Lives remains a powerhouse in the soap world. Chad’s final scenes are being described as cinematic, tragic, and unforgettable. The kind of soap opera moment fans will remember for years.

As for whether Chad might someday return with a new face or a shocking twist? The door is never fully closed in Salem. For now, though, Billy Flynn’s portrayal of Chad DiMera will conclude in death—a grand, devastating farewell that will change everything.

In the unpredictable world of Days of Our Lives, death has often been the start of something new. But this time, it might really be goodbye.

Stay tuned, and keep the tissues close. Chad DiMera’s final story is one that no fan should miss.