7 Ways Elena Could Die on The Vampire Diaries

Now that we've had some time to process the fact that Nina Dobrev is leaving The Vampire Diaries, it's time to start guessing how Elena will exit the series. We have so many questions! The play-it-safe option would be for Elena to take the cure for vampirism and leave Mystic Falls to have a normal life somewhere. But Dobrev herself has promised "If you think you know what's coming, you don't" — does this mean Elena could (gasp!) die? We think so — and here's seven ways it could go down.

01
The Cure For Vampirism Goes Awry
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The Cure For Vampirism Goes Awry

Remember when Katherine was forced to take the vampire cure and it essentially killed her? Who's to say the same couldn't happen for Elena? Sure, Katherine is a lot older than Elena when she takes the cure, but there could definitely be an unforeseen complication for Elena as well.

02
Klaus Returns to Get Revenge
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Klaus Returns to Get Revenge

OK, so this one doesn't really make total sense — but when has that ever been an issue in TVD land? Dobrev's departure from the series calls for some big guns, and what's bigger than having one of the Originals return to wreak some havoc? I'm sure the writers could find some reason why Klaus would suddenly be interested in killing Elena again.

03
Kai Kills Her
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Kai Kills Her

Does this one really need an explanation? Kai is a loose cannon, even if he is a little more in touch with his emotions now.

04
She Somehow Has to Sacrifice Herself to Save Alaric's Baby
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She Somehow Has to Sacrifice Herself to Save Alaric's Baby

It's the circle of life: just as Elena exits Mystic Falls, Alaric will be welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world. There's bound to be complications with Jo carrying this baby, and I wouldn't be surprised if Elena ends up having to pay the price for the kid's survival. Wouldn't it be so very Elena to give her life for an innocent baby?

05
Jeremy Hunts Her Down
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Jeremy Hunts Her Down

Elena thinks her little bro is off at art school, but we know the truth — he's sharpening his vampire hunter skills. It would be shocking for Jeremy to kill his own sister, but that's exactly why it might happen.

06
Caroline Takes Her Out
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Caroline Takes Her Out

Now that Caroline's humanity switch is off, nobody is safe. Just a few episodes ago she was trying to butcher Stefan's poor cousin. Plus, killing her BFF could be just what gets Caroline to snap out of it and return to her old self — just in time for season seven!

07
She Dies of a Broken Heart
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She Dies of a Broken Heart

No vampire has died of heartbreak before, but what if Damon and Bonnie's newfound closeness went to the next level? With everything that has happened between Damon and Elena, I'm not sure she could handle it.