Alaric Saltzman's death was a direct consequence of his life being mystically linked to Elena Gilbert's. When Elena drowned, Alaric died simultaneously, as their life forces were connected.
The Circumstances of Alaric's Death
Alaric's existence as an Enhanced Original Vampire Hunter was bound to Elena's life through a powerful spell cast by Esther, the Original Witch. This meant that if Elena died, Alaric would die as well, as long as he was in his enhanced vampire hunter state.
The immediate events leading to his demise were orchestrated by Rebekah Mikaelson. Enraged and desolate, Rebekah sought to end the lives of Elena and Matt by causing their vehicle to drive off Wickery Bridge. While Matt was saved, Elena drowned, which in turn led to Alaric's death. He died in Damon Salvatore's arms shortly after Elena's apparent drowning.
Key Events Leading to Alaric's Demise
The chain of events that resulted in Alaric's death can be summarized as follows:
- Esther's Binding Spell: Alaric's life as an Enhanced Original Vampire Hunter was magically tied to Elena Gilbert's life.
- Rebekah's Desperation: Driven by anger and despair, Rebekah, a powerful Original vampire, aimed to prevent Elena from making a choice between Damon and Stefan, and generally to put an end to the current conflict.
- The Bridge Incident: Rebekah intercepted Elena and Matt's car, causing it to crash and plunge into Wickery Bridge.
- Elena's Drowning: Despite efforts to save her, Elena drowned in the submerged vehicle.
- Alaric's Death: Due to the magical link, Alaric died at the exact moment Elena's life ended. He appeared to Jeremy Gilbert as a ghost to say goodbye, confirming his death.
The table below provides a concise overview of the critical elements surrounding Alaric's death:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Underlying Cause | Alaric's life was magically linked to Elena Gilbert's through an Original Witch's spell. |
| Direct Trigger | Elena's drowning. |
| Perpetrator | Rebekah Mikaelson, who intentionally caused the accident that led to Elena's drowning. |
| Method | Causing the vehicle carrying Elena and Matt to drive off Wickery Bridge. |
| Consequence | Alaric died instantly when Elena's life ended, due to their intertwined destinies. |
