The Young and the Restless spoilers reveal that Cole Howard (J. Eddie Peck) died after his body rejected antibiotics. However, there are a few clues that the man’s story might not be totally over yet. Could he have been murdered? Keep reading and let’s discuss who could be responsible and why.

 

Cole Howard’s Death

Fans know that Cole died on July 3, 2025, after a battle with a dangerous form of pneumonia. Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) were there at the hospital with him to say goodbye.

It seems that Cole even knew he didn’t have that much time left. It was a heartbreaking scene, but I was really glad that they were able to say goodbye one last time.

Clues & Connections

However, there is something very off about the whole exit storyline. First of all, we didn’t get a funeral or memorial service. Although Cole wasn’t on much, he was a fan-favorite and viewers were disappointed he didn’t seem to have many meaty storylines.

At the time of his death, I was suspicious. However, I’m even more suspicious now after the episode aired on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Not every character gets a funeral, but since Victoria and Claire are still grieving, you would think they would have at least a small funeral scene.

That’s not the only thing that’s wrong, either. Victoria and Claire keep mentioning that Cole’s body just rejected the antibiotics. While that does happen, I just get a weird feeling about it.

Victoria Newman Moving On

The Young and the Restless spoilers seem to suggest that Victoria might move on with Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic). The former doctor has dumped Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) and was there for Victoria during Cole’s death.

Victoria and Claire had to handle it pretty much alone since the Newman family was in Nice at Cane Ashby’s (Billy Flynn) party.

While Claire leaned on Holden Novak (Nathan Owens), Victoria and Nate reconnected. Now that Audra is out of the picture, fans seem pretty excited about the possibility of Nate and Vicky rekindling their romance.

That would be about the time that the news that Cole’s death wasn’t natural could hit Genoa City. That would put Victoria in another romantic dilemma.

Victor Newman Turns Full Villain?
However, who would want to murder Cole and why? It seems that Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) could be guilty. The man never does his dirty work himself, and Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) would never agree to eliminate Cole.

However, Victor was the one who got Cole that job overseas. Then, the patriarch had Cole transferred to one of the best hospitals in the country for pneumonia. While it seemed like a nice gesture, I don’t think Victor ever approved of his daughter’s relationship.

Remember, Victor was furious over Michael and Cole’s actions regarding Jordan’s (Colleen Zenk) imprisonment. While the man does forgive once in a while, I don’t think he ever did with Cole.

Fans know the man is controlling, and it was mentioned just how much he interferes in Victoria’s personal life in today’s episode. So, could Victor be turning full villain like in the old days? Could he end up losing not only Victoria but Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) as well?