My Hero Academia can be full of explosive action and jaw-dropping abilities, but what truly makes it unforgettable are the emotional blows it delivers along the way. It begins as a heartwarming story of children who dream to become heroes, but along the way, it descends into the cruel realities of the world of heroes—where sacrifice, bereavement, and loss never come far behind. Some deaths surprise us, some strike as suddenly and loudly as a freight train, and some leave a void that never fully closes. Let’s count down the 10 saddest deaths in the series—from bittersweet goodbyes to tear-jerking tragedies.
10. X-Less
X-Less wasn’t a front-and-center character, but his demise was a cold, hard reminder that anyone can get whacked in this world. He bumped into Shigaraki at the exact moment the villain was waking up at his strongest ever—and in a matter of seconds, he was reduced to dust. It gets worse because Shigaraki stole X-Less’s cape and used it as a trophy. It’s an ominous moment that reminds us of how heightened stakes have become, even for sidelines heroes.
9. Magne
Magne’s passing taught us that even bad guys can experience profound losses. She was like a big sister among the League of Villains, a person who looked out for her fellow teammates. Then Overhaul shows up, and she gets brutally and mercilessly murdered in front of her friends. Overhaul had the power to turn back time—but he didn’t, which made everything all the more pointless. Her death struck Twice and the rest of the League hard, creating a desire for vengeance that persisted through subsequent arcs.
8. Water Hose (Kota’s Parents)
Kota’s parents—known as Water Hose—weren’t famous, but they embodied what it meant to be a hero. They gave their lives trying to stop Muscular from wreaking havoc, leaving their young son traumatized and bitter toward the Hero Society. Their deaths may not have had much screen time, but the emotional aftermath—especially Kota’s hatred of heroes—hit hard. Later, when Deku protects Kota, it becomes a powerful moment of healing, showing that their sacrifice wasn’t in vain.
7. Majestic
Majestic did not receive much attention, but his last deed was a heroic act. During the pandemonium of the Paranormal Liberation War, he employed his abilities to lead his students to safety at the cost of his own life. For those in his care—such as Yaoyorozu—it was a tragic moment. His motivational words before he died made a lasting impact, showing he had faith in the next generation until his dying breath.
6. Crust
Crust might have been a late addition to the hero roster, but his death made a lasting impact. Known for his emotional side (he even cried at All Might’s retirement), Crust proved his courage when he threw himself in front of Shigaraki’s deadly Decay to save Aizawa. His final gesture—a smile and a thumbs up—was a hero’s farewell, one that perfectly encapsulated his character: brave, kind, and selfless to the very end.
5. Star and Stripe
Star and Stripe, the greatest hero in America, arrived on the scene like a whirlwind. Her Quirk allowed her to rewrite reality, making her nearly invincible. Her battle with Shigaraki was brief—and deadly. But she went out swinging, disrupting his Quirk and keeping him at bay. Her sacrifice saved lives, but also altered the course of the war. She may not have been there for long, but she was not forgotten.
4. Midnight
Midnight’s death came as a blow that was felt particularly close to home. As one of the favorite U.A. instructors, she was more than comic relief—she was a guardian and a teacher. She was killed during the war, and her students were the ones who found her dead body. The shock and sadness that resulted made her passing one of the saddest parts of the series, particularly to the students she influenced.
3. Oboro Shirakumo
Oboro’s death is the kind that cuts deep, leaving an indelible scar. He was the closest friend of Aizawa and Present Mic during their school days, abundant with dreams and laughter. But his martyrdom came with a heartless twist: his body was transformed into Kurogiri, a Nomu employed by the antagonists. The revelation was devastating for his friends, particularly Aizawa, and plunged all they had been struggling for into darkness. It continues to haunt them—and us.
2. Himiko Toga
Toga’s demise was as beautiful as it was tragic. Misunderstood and rejected for a Quirk she had no control over, she found welcome with the League, and in her way, yearned for love and belonging. Her last action—rescuing Ochaco at the expense of her own life—was not redemption, but evidence of the human behind the villain label. Her death spurred real change, inspiring Ochaco to start a project that might prevent others from ending up like her. It was the kind of moment that lingers long after the fight is over.
1. The Shimura Family
Nothing in My Hero Academia is more tragic than the origin of Tomura Shigaraki. As a child, Tenko Shimura accidentally wiped out his entire family when his Quirk first awakened. It was not just a random freak accident—it was a direct consequence of a society that did not secure a child in crisis. His mother attempted to rescue him even as her body dissolved in his arms. The event defined the series’s most evil villain and is a heartbreaking commentary on neglect, fear, and the holes within a hero society. It’s a tragedy that resonates throughout the whole story, irrevocably changing the trajectory of the narrative.
My Hero Academia never hesitates to demonstrate that being a hero has a price. The deaths here are not merely tragic—they’re fundamental. They serve as a reminder of the emotional cost involved in the action, reminding us that despite a world with Quirks, the greatest power is still the human heart.