How did the original Ben Hargreeves die in The Umbrella Academy?

The version of Ben Hargreeves we meet in The Umbrella Academy season 3 is a stark contrast to the lovable, cuddly ghost Ben we’ve known for two seasons prior. Justin H. Min is clearly having a blast playing the new, mean Sparrow Ben, but seeing him does make us miss the old Ben!

While watching the third season, you might have started wondering about the mysterious Jennifer Incident and potentially need a refresher on what happened to the Umbrella Academy’s Number Six, a.k.a. The Horror.

How did Ben Hargreeves die in The Umbrella Academy?

We do not actually know the exact circumstances surrounding Ben’s death. He was already dead when the show began and we learn he died during a devastating incident during a mission when the Hargreeves were kids. Ben’s death had a lasting impact on the group and several of the siblings have mentioned that the family was never the same after he died. A statue of Ben was erected in his honor.

What is the Jennifer Incident in The Umbrella Academy?

The incident surrounding Ben’s death has become known as “The Jennifer Incident.” In The Umbrella Academy season 3, Luther (Tom Hopper) refers to Ben’s death during “The Jennifer Incident.” During one episode, Viktor (Elliot Page)  takes refuge in Ben’s bedroom after a nasty fight at the Sparrow Academy.

He notices the room is adorned with portraits and drawings of Jennifer, meaning whoever Jennifer is, she has impacted both versions of Ben. It sounds to me like Ben sacrificed himself for this Jennifer in the original timeline, but perhaps Sparrow Ben was not able to save Jennifer and that’s why he survived—and also became so angry and bitter.

Maybe the mid-credits scene of Ben headed to Seoul has something to do with the incident.

What happened to Ben’s ghost?

After Ben dies in the original timeline, his ghost sticks around for almost two decades, attached to Klaus (Robert Sheehan), who summons him after his funeral.

But at the end of season 2, Ben is the only person who can get through to Viktor when he almost destroys the FBI building upon regaining access to his memories. Ben briefly possesses Viktor and finds his brother inside his mind.

He tells Viktor that it’s not his fault he can’t control his powers after what Reginald did to him as a child. While inside, Viktor’s powers seem to cause Ben to start disintegrating, but Ben assures Viktor it’s not his fault. It’s simply his time to finally pass on.

He also asks Viktor to convey a message to Klaus before he leaves, that it was never Klaus’ fault he stuck around so long without moving on, he was scared to leave but now he’s finally ready.

The Umbrella Academy season 3 is now on Netflix.