Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone” is a western drama series about the Duttons, a rancher family from Montana. In addition to the Duttons, the series also depicts the lives of workers at Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Among them are Rip Wheeler and Rowdy, whose interconnected history is explored through flashbacks. The conflict between the duo comes to a head in the latest episode of Season 5. If you are wondering if Rowdy is dead and why Young Rip killed him In ‘Yellowstone’, everything you need to know is here!

Is Rowdy Dead?

Rowdy first appears in the season 5 premiere of “Yellowstone” entitled “A Hundred Years Is Nothing”. He is a laborer working at Dutton Ranch in Yellowstone and appears in flashbacks. Actor Kai Caster as in Rowdy. Caster is known for his appearances on shows like The Baxters, American Horror Story, and House of Lies. In the first episode, Rowdy appears in a flashback alongside the Young Rip.

Although Young Rip and Rowdy appear to have a sisterly relationship, that changes after Beth teams up with Rowdy to make Rip jealous. Later, Rowdy and Young Rip accompany young John Dutton on an expedition to protect his cattle from wolves. In the seventh episode, entitled “The Dream Is Not Me”, a flashback shows Rowdy and Young Rip going hunting for wolves.

During a conversation, Rowdy berates Beth, which angers Rip. As a result, a fight ensues between the teenager and the much older hooligan. However, Rip manages to overpower his colleague and defeats Rowdt in a fistfight. However, Rowdy uses a knife to attack Rip. The latter dodges Rowdy’s attack and stabs him. him with a knife. As a result, Rowdy is badly injured and dies before Rip can inform John Dutton.

Why Did Young Rip Kill Rowdy?

In season five, flashback sequences revolve around Young Rip and his relationship with Beth. In the first episode, Beth asks to Rip out before she goes to college. However, the date goes awry due to Rip’s uptight nature. As a result, Beth is mad at Rip and kisses Rowdy to make Rip jealous. Later, while searching the pastures for wolves, Rowdy talks about making out with Beth. Rowdy also insults Rip for not being able to please Beth. Rip and Beth were in love despite their on-and-off relationship. Therefore, Rip is furious when Rowdy makes obscene remarks about Beth in front of him. Rip fights Rowdy and their fight spirals out of control.

After Rowdy is injured, Rip rushes to inform John. Rowdy tells Rip to lie about his injuries. Rowdy suggests that Rip explain the incident as an accident caused by Rowdy falling off his horse. However, Rip decides to tell the truth. to John. Although John is disappointed in Rip, values ​​the child’s loyalty. As a result, John and Young help Lloyd  Rip bury the body and cover up the murder. In return, however, John makes Rip promise to always take care of the Yellowstone ranch and to remain loyal to the Duttons.

Rip ends up killing Rowdy for badmouthing Beth. He defends the honor of the woman he loves. Rip has no intention of killing Rowdy, however. The fight between Rip and Rowdy goes too far. Eventually, Rowdy succumbs to his injuries and dies. So it’s safe to say that Rowdy’s tragic death was one of his own decisions. Rowdy’s death and subsequent cover-up tie the tragedy directly to Rip’s undying loyalty to the Duttons.

Read More: What Happened to Walker? Is Ryan Bingham’s Walker Leaving Yellowstone?