Home and Away fans were left devastated this week as one of Summer Bay’s most loved characters met a tragic end in a shocking hit-and-run storyline. In Wednesday night’s episode, Theo Poulos (played by Matt Evans) was killed in heartbreaking scenes that left viewers stunned, emotional, and in disbelief.

The tragedy struck just after what should have been a joyous occasion — the wedding of Cash Newman and Eden Fowler. Instead of celebrations continuing, the night descended into chaos when Theo sacrificed his own life to protect the woman he loved.

In a heroic final act, Theo threw himself in front of a speeding car to save his on-screen girlfriend, Lacy Miller (portrayed by Matt’s real-life partner, Sophia Pennington). The impact was brutal and immediate, leaving Lacy horrified and fans shattered. For many viewers, the moment brought back painful memories of other unexpected Home and Away deaths like Mason’s — sudden, shocking, and utterly heartbreaking.

Social media was instantly flooded with grief. “Goodbye, Theo. We’ll miss you,” one fan wrote. Another posted, “No, not Theo. He was my favorite character!” while a third added, “This one hurt even more than saying goodbye to Irene.” Many echoed the same sentiment: Theo’s death felt cruel, unexpected, and painfully raw.

The emotional weight of the scene was amplified by Leah Patterson Baker (Ada Nicodemou), Theo’s aunt, who collapsed in tears upon discovering what had happened. Her cries and heartbreak were almost too much to bear for long-time fans. Justin Morgan (James Stewart), Leah’s husband, held her as she broke down, giving viewers one of the most gut-wrenching moments of the season.

For some fans, it felt impossible to accept that Theo was really gone. After all, soap operas are known for their twists. But actor Matt Evans confirmed the heartbreaking reality in a live interview the following morning. Appearing on The Morning Show, he told hosts Kylie Gillies and Dr. Chris Brown:

“If you were sad last night, tonight is going to be a whole other level. I think it was quite a shock for a lot of people. People knew a character was going to die, but they didn’t know it was Theo.”

Theo first arrived in Summer Bay in 2021 as Leah’s troubled nephew. Escorted by police and carrying a history of poor decisions, he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his growth, charm, and determination to turn his life around. His journey from reckless teen to brave hero has now come full circle with his tragic death.

Following his exit, Matt Evans shared a farewell message with fans on Instagram, recorded on the very day he filmed Theo’s final scene:

“Hey everyone, it’s Theo here. Thank you so much for the last four years — what a wild ride. I’m here on my last day on set, just soaking it all in. I love you all so much. Keep enjoying and watching the show, and best wishes to all of you.”

Matt has since revealed he plans to pursue new career opportunities in the US, focusing on both acting and music.

For Home and Away fans, Theo’s death marks the end of an era. He may be gone, but his memory as a flawed, brave, and beloved character will live on in Summer Bay forever.