Piccolo is directly responsible for Goku's first death, delivering the fatal blow with his Special Beam Cannon.
The Pivotal Moment Against Raditz
Goku's initial demise occurred during a critical battle against his older brother, Raditz. This confrontation was one of the most significant early challenges faced by Earth's heroes. Recognizing the immense power of Raditz and the limited options available, Goku made a selfless decision that led to his sacrifice.
- The Sacrifice: Goku bravely restrained Raditz, holding him in a full-nelson embrace. This strategic move was crucial, as it incapacitated Raditz and left him vulnerable.
- Piccolo's Attack: With Raditz immobilized, Piccolo, a former adversary turned temporary ally, seized the opportunity to unleash his devastating Special Beam Cannon. This concentrated energy attack was designed to pierce through Raditz's formidable defenses.
- Tragic Outcome: While the attack successfully eliminated Raditz, Goku was also caught in the powerful beam due to his unwavering grip on his brother. Consequently, Goku was killed alongside Raditz in the blast.
This event marked a profound moment in the series, highlighting Goku's willingness to sacrifice everything for the safety of others and the planet.
Goku's Multiple Returns
It's important to note that while this was his initial death, Goku, despite being the series' protagonist, has died on a few occasions throughout his adventures, only to be subsequently revived. Each death typically serves a significant plot point, leading to new training opportunities or the introduction of powerful new abilities.
The circumstances surrounding his first death, however, are particularly iconic due to the collaborative effort between Goku and Piccolo and the sheer magnitude of the sacrifice.
| Instance | Cause of Death | Key Figures Involved | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Special Beam Cannon | Piccolo, Raditz | Self-sacrifice to defeat Raditz |
| 2nd | Cell's Self-Destruction | Cell, Gohan | Teleporting Cell away from Earth |
| 3rd | Heart Virus | (Natural Causes) | Ailing during the Android Saga (Future Timeline) |
