On Talking Dead, it was revealed that Hershel was initially scripted to be killed by Randall in the episode "Better Angels" during Randall's escape. However, the producers decided to allow the character to live so that they could explore the dramatic potential of losing his farm in "Beside the Dying Fire" and Season 3.

Why does Hershel get killed?

On the decision to kill Hershel, Robert Kirkman explained: He was the moral compass of the group and it's always good to lose the moral compass. It will all become clear when we finally show you the back half of season 4. It wasn't enough for these characters to lose the prison.

How did Hershel die in real life?

On October 6, 2018, it was reported that Wilson had died from leukemia at his home in Los Angeles, aged 76. He died just a few hours after NYCC (New York Comic Con).