“That’s not fair”: Fans devastated by another character being killed off in Yellowstone season 5 episode 12

Yellowstone season 5 was split into two parts by its creator, Taylor Sheridan, as he announced this season to be the last in his beloved noo-western drama franchise. Yellowstone season 5, part 1, was released with 8 episodes on November 13, 2022, which lasted until January 1, 2023. More than a year later, Sheridan released Yellowstone season 5, part 2, on November 10, 2024. With 6 more episodes, the popular series is scheduled to end on December 15, 2024.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Yellowstone season 5. Reader discretion is advised.

With the story quickly progressing toward its end, the viewers are seeing some of the most heartwrenching moments throughout the final episodes, with beloved characters getting killed. With the death of its primary protagonist, John Dutton, and then Sarah Atwood, the viewers were not ready to encounter another death in the series.

However, in Yellowstone season 5, episode 12, titled Counting Coup, fans encounter Colby Mayfield, dying due to the multiple injuries sustained from a charged black stallion while saving Carter. Colby's death comes very unexpectedly from Sheridan, considering he was coming up as a potential character to lead the ranch in its most dressing times.

What is more heartbreaking is that right before his untimely demise, he shared a hearty phone conversation with Teeter, as they both realize they are in love with each other. Fans of Colby Mayfield have flooded social media, expressing their grief on losing their favorite character. On December 2, 2024, a fan posted on X writing,

"As my entire family sat watching with tear stained cheeks my brother said,”that’s not fair”. I knew Colby was doomed the second he told Teeter he loved her. Wished a happy ending for them. Poor Ryan too. @DenimRichards has been a pleasure to watch in the role. YellowstoneTV"

The official X account of @Yellowstone reposted the fan's reaction, which received loads of comments from other Yellowstone fans.

An X user wrote, "I’m literally DESTROYED and SOBBING right now."

Other fans expressed grief over Taylor Sheridan ending the story by killing most of the show's beloved characters.

For example, a user wrote, "Taylor Sheridan knows how to rip our hearts out…"

While adding to it, another fan wrote the last words he said to Teeter in Yellowstone season 5 episode 12, before hanging up the call,

"Her last words to him were “i. Love you to”…wow"

A section of Yellowstone fans expressed that Colby and Teeter didn't deserve it after making it this far. On December 2, 2024, Denim Richards, who played the role of Colby Mayfield in the series, posted his iconic cowboy attire and chair from his final moments on the set of Yellowstone.

Fans flooded the post bidding farewell to their beloved character. An X user shared a sentimental comment on the post writing,

"I am so happy for your success in the show but I AM LIVID about Taylor killing my favorite cowboy!!!! I was yelling at the TV and my husband! Well at least he went out in a heroic way. But I will not get over this any time soon! Thanks for playing Colby, I loved him!"

While another user dropped a note for the ending of Yellowstone season 5, paying tribute to Colby. The user wrote wrote,

"The bunkhouse loved you The Duttons respected you Teeter gave her heart to you. The fans cherished you. Don’t say this about many characters on any show but …bro. You went out the right way. Saving a cowboy. Hate it …but respect it Well done, my man. You were good!!! Thanks for your dedicated and chrasismatic contribution to the show. Well done sir…well done"

Finally, another Yellowstone fan wrote an optimistic remark, awaiting the future screen appearances of Demin Richards,

"Us fans are grateful for your presence on this amazing show these past 5 years! Such an incredible actor with so much range! Can't wait to see what new roles lie ahead for you Denim! #Colby4Ever🙏🏼🤠 #YellowstoneTV"

Other than Yellowstone, Denim Richards is known for his roles in other television series including Good Trouble (2019), Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher (2021), County Line: All In (2022), and County Line: No Fear (2022).

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How does Colvy Mayfield die in Yellowstone season 5, episode 12

After Yellowstone season 5 episode 11 ends with the death of Sarah Atwood; viewers see episode 12 opening on a light theme, Colby and Teeter talking over the phone call. Teeter is working at 6666 in Texas, while Colby is handling the ranch, trying his best to not let it sell off to the corporate and construction vultures.

Colby still finds it difficult to express his emotions to Teeter, but she knows about it, and deep down feels the same. Rip informs the boys that they will be auctioning some of the animals from the Ranch to save the business. Loyd advises them not to see the maddening black stallion, advising it to be put down.

However, Rip gets an interesting offer to sell the animal and asks Colby to load it up, much to the dismay of Lloyd. While Carter was working in the barn, he noticed the station needed water. Right when he gets to grab the water from the bucket, he is suddenly attacked by the infuriated animal, leaving him in a pool of blood.

Colby reaches the barn and finds Carter screaming to him for help, unable to escape. Colby enters the stable, and though he succeeds in helping injured Carter escape, he is fatally wounded by the stallion, before Carter can shoot him to death. Ryan makes a very difficult call to Colby's close friend Ryan at 6666, informing them about the death of Colby. Yellowstone season 5 episode 12 leaves Teeter in shock and devastation, realizing she has lost the love of her life.

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With only two last episodes left in the series, Colby's sudden death comes as a terrifying shock, and a big concern regarding the fate of the ranch.

Check our other articles to know more details about Yellowstone season 5. All the seasons of Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone are available for streaming on Netflix.