7. Tank - The Matrix Reloaded
How He Died: Tank was the operator on-board the Nebuchadnezzar in The Matrix, who ends up being shot with a lightning rifle by the double-crossing Cypher. However, Tank manages to recover enough to shoot and kill Cypher with the very same weapon. Despite his injuries, Tank helps Neo, Morpheus and Trinity save the day, yet is somehow dead - presumably on a mission or as a result of his injuries - by the time The Matrix Reloaded came about, having been replaced by his brother, Link.
Why It Sucks: Rumours suggest that Tank was written out because the Wachowskis didn't get along with the actor, Marcus Chong, which is a shame given how likable a character he was, and how cool it would have been to see him back in the operator's seat. Harold Perinneau did a great job as Link, but for consistency's sake, this really should have been Chong's gig, and the lack of explanation only makes it all the more frustrating.