Young & Restless has been on a bit of a bender lately when it comes to killing off characters, but nothing prepared us for this latest shocker, which has come right out of nowhere!

Damian Kane was given just enough time to reconcile with his dying mother and latch onto a love interest before he found himself on the wrong end of a deluded day player’s dagger.

Next, poor Chance Chancellor met his maker whilst trying to manage the murderer, who made a run for it. When another shot rang out, it was Killer Carter taking his own life.

So, that was three characters lost amid the murderous maze, plus we said a tearful farewell to Cole back in Genoa City, who lost his battle with Legionnaire’s disease.

All of this came shortly after the demise of the deliciously crazy Aunt Jordan, and the presumed death of Ian Ward, whom viewers know is alive and, if not well, surely plotting his revenge nonetheless.

That’s five deaths in as many months, and, now, another shocking twist is upon us.

Stunned fans could hardly believe their ears when Billy got on the phone with his mother, Jill, who shamed him for not mentioning the death of his nephew, Chance, and referred to him as Nina’s “only son”. Wait… wut?!

“Nina’s only child!” says Jill. Did we forget about Ronan??? #YR

— DJ (@HeyMisterDJ_ATL) August 6, 2025

The line left many fans horrified that the Young & Restless writers had seemingly done away with Nina’s firstborn son, Ronan Malloy!

Of course, the writers “killing off” Ronan was most likely unintentional — a mistake — but an egregious one, particularly for those of us who have long-awaited his return to romance Red. Oh, the heat he and Phyllis brought back in the day!

Anyway, we certainly hope Malloy is off fighting crime and/or his various demons in parts unknown and that someone will think to fill him in on the death of his half-brother. Would you like to see Ronan return? !