Who Died in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, then you might have wondered who died in the original movie. The 1983 comedy film, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase, follows the Griswold family as they embark on a disastrous road trip to the fictional amusement park called Walley World. While the movie is full of hilarious moments and mishaps, there’s one particular scene that stands out and leaves viewers with a lingering question: Who died in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

Setting the Scene

The scene in question takes place at Aunt Edna’s house, where the Griswolds stop to drop off the elderly relative before continuing their journey. Aunt Edna insists on bringing her dog with them, much to Clark Griswold’s (Chevy Chase) dismay. The family piles back into their station wagon, with Aunt Edna and her dog occupying one of the seats.

The Tragic Discovery

As they continue driving towards their destination, they realize that Aunt Edna has passed away. The family is understandably shocked and saddened by this sudden turn of events. When they take her body to a funeral home, they find out that she died of natural causes.

So Who Died?

While it’s clear that Aunt Edna passed away during the road trip, some viewers might be confused about who else might have died during the movie. The answer is no one else dies in National Lampoon’s Vacation. However, there are a few scenes that might give viewers pause.

The Hikers

Early on in the movie, Clark takes his family on a detour through a forested area to see “the real America.” They come across two hikers who ask for directions and then proceed to steal their car while they’re distracted. While it’s never explicitly stated, it’s safe to assume that the hikers were left stranded in the wilderness.

The Security Guard

When the Griswolds finally make it to Walley World, they find out that the park is closed for maintenance. Clark loses his cool and forces a security guard at gunpoint to take them on a private tour of the park. While it’s clear that the security guard is terrified, he isn’t harmed in any way.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it: Aunt Edna is the only character who dies in National Lampoon’s Vacation. While there are a few other scenes that might raise questions about whether or not someone else meets their demise, they’re ultimately just red herrings. The movie remains a classic comedy with unforgettable moments that will make you laugh out loud.