Did Cole Die on The Young and the Restless?
Yes, Cole Howard died on The Young and the Restless in a deeply emotional episode that aired on July 3, 2025. His passing marked the end of an era for longtime viewers and left a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience.
What Happened to Cole Howard?
Cole Howard, portrayed by J. Eddie Peck, made an emotional return to The Young and the Restless in late 2023, reuniting with Victoria Newman and their long-lost daughter, Claire. The family’s reunion brought moments of hope and healing after years of separation and heartbreak. However, shortly after his return, Cole began experiencing troubling symptoms, including a persistent cough and fatigue. Initially dismissing them as minor issues, his condition rapidly worsened, prompting concern from Victoria and Claire. He was eventually hospitalized and diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and aggressive form of pneumonia. Despite receiving intensive medical care, Cole’s body failed to respond to treatment. He was brought back to Genoa City for his final days, where he was surrounded by his loved ones. In a deeply emotional farewell, Victoria stayed by his side as he took his last breaths, while Claire struggled with the devastating loss of her father. The episode left a lasting impact on viewers, with many describing it as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in recent memory.
Social Media Reactions
Instagram:
J. Eddie Peck posted:
“Just a quick shout out as Cole takes his last breath on the show today — and with that, this chapter of my journey on The Young and the Restless comes to a close. Thank you all for the love and support.” —
@jeddiepeckon Instagram
Reddit:
“He wasn't given any actual story, besides the retcon child he was given, and the story with Jordan Howard, who is useless at the point now that ...” — u/soapfan2025 on Reddit
View Reddit Post
Cole Howard’s Journey in Genoa City
Cole’s story spanned decades and included some of the most dramatic plotlines in The Young and the Restless history:
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Romance and marriage with Victoria Newman
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The shocking revelation that their daughter Claire was alive
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Family feuds, betrayals, and paternity twists
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Marriages to both Victoria and Ashley Abbott
| Year(s) | Major Event | Key Relationships |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Introduced as Eve Howard’s son | Victor Newman, Eve Howard |
| Early 1990s | Affair with Nikki, romance with Victoria | Nikki Newman, Victoria Newman |
| 1993–1999 | Marriage to Victoria, paternity drama | Victoria, Victor, Eve |
| Late 1990s | Marriage to Ashley Abbott | Ashley Abbott |
| 2023–2025 | Returns, reunites with Claire | Victoria, Claire, Jordan Howard |
| 2025 | Dies from Legionnaires’ disease | Victoria, Claire |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Cole Howard really die on The Young and the Restless?
Yes, Cole Howard died in July 2025 from complications related to Legionnaires’ disease.
Why was Cole Howard killed off?
Writers used Cole’s death to create new storylines for Victoria and Claire, but many fans felt the decision was controversial and rushed.
Who played Cole Howard?
J. Eddie Peck is the actor most associated with the role, having played Cole from 1993–1999 and again from 2023–2025.
