20 Most Shocking TV Character Deaths EVER

After patching up a series of family woes and career setbacks, Nashville decided to blindside audiences with one last twist for Rayna Jaymes, who like so many characters on this list seemed ready for a great new chapter when death came knocking. 

After an intense confrontation with her stalker, Carl, the beloved country singer was en route home with the police when they were struck by a speeding car, which sent Rayna to the hospital for surgery. She's broken her hip and suffered a brain injury, but the doctors promise her husband Deacon all is well. 

But it's not. After conversing with her late mother in a state between life and death, Rayna's vitals start to crash and her organs fail. In a moment of pure misery, she dies whilst surrounded by the family. 

Rayna is honoured later on by Deacon and her daughters Maddie and Daphne at a country music award show, in a performance of Rayna's song "You're Mine," which is almost as tear-jerking as the untimely death itself.