Ghostshas yet to reveal how Sassapis(Román Zaragoza) died, but several theories offer an idea about how his demise happened. The spirits that hauntWoodstone Manor inGhostsall have one thing in common: they’re all stuck in a Purgatory-type state, unable to transition into the afterlife. Each of the spirits has their own stories, journeys, and has a unique story about their demise, one that has been sewn into several major story arcs of the past five seasons.
One spirit’s demise that has yet to be revealed is that ofSasappis — the Native American who is the second oldest on the property behind Thorfinn(Devan Chandler Long), the stranded Viking who was struck by lightning almost 500 years before he died.Ghostsseason 4offered major milestones for Sass, including finally giving him a true romantic partner. That said, the CBS sitcom continues to dance around the way he died, prompting fans of the show to come up with their own stipulations.
6Sasappis Died Of A Broken Heart
His Unfulfilled Love For Shiki May Have Done Him In
A tragic figure in the love department,Sasappis died a virginand never found true love, meeting his demise before learning whether Shiki (Crystale Lightning), his crush in life, noticed his deer offering her wigwam. One theory, presented by Reddit useru/626337, is that he died because of a broken heart, fading into the afterlife without ever knowing what true love really was.
This theory is somewhat plausible, asSasappis has no visibile markings on his body, but would ultimately make for a disappointing payoff for fans who are wanting something more from this long-awaited reveal. With Sasappis being the last character to reveal his death, we’re hopefulGhostsseason 5or 6 gives us something heartier, and hopefully more impactful, to chew on as we learn, finally, what happened.
5Sasappis Was Scared To Death By The Deer He Killed
In Hindsight, Maybe The Deer Wasn’t A Good Idea
In his quest to win over Shiki, Sasappis killed a deer and left it for her at her wigwam, only to never hear from her again before he died. Reddit useru/VoidWilBytetheorized thatSasappis died of a heart attack due to what he thought was an encounter with a supernatural spiritdescribed in Lenape lore.
The theory describes Mesingw, a force that protects animals in the forest, specifically deer. Because of Sasappis' killing of a deer just prior to his first storytelling, he believes he encountered Mesingw in a dark area of the forest, scaring him to death. A nuanced and layered theory, but also unlikely, this explanation would be a unique one forGhosts, and would honor the history of the Lenape and its people.
4Sasappis Has A Heart Attack
One User Gives A Thesis Paper On This Idea About Sass' Heart
There have been some great theories about Sasappis' death inGhosts, but there isn’t another theory out there as fleshed out and detailed as the one Reddit useru/SilentWithAMouthoffered up. A detailed and well-researched theory, and after ruling out other specific items, the user theorized thatSasappis died of a heart attack.
The theory rules out disease due to the time he lived, and potentially any physical damage due to his physical appearance. They also theorized that, while the US version of the show borrows some thematic and storyline elements from its UK predecessor, the writers have successfully merged character arcs from the UK show to create the US characters. The theory posits that Sasappis, during his first big performance, becomes overwhelmed by the stress and dies of a massive heart attack. Not realizing he’s dead, he runs into the forest where he encounters Thorfinn for the first time.
Admittedly, this hypothesis is in depth and thorough, and while it may not be as thrilling or exciting to some fans, it could be a great emotional storyline to position throughGhostsseason 5. The window of opportunity to tell a robust story about Sasappis' death seems to be getting smaller by the episode, and we’d hate to see a missed opportunity for an engaging, and ultimately sad, tale of a life cut short.
3Sasappis Was Bitten By A Venomous Spider
He Shows No Outward Damage On His Body Due To His Death
One of the few ghosts at Woodstone Manor without damage to his body, at least visibly, Sasappis could have been an unknowing victim of nature. Reddit useru/MamaSweeney24theorized thatSasappis died from something simple and potentially common for that time: a bite from a poisonous spider.
This explanation would be the simplest and make sense for theGhoststimeline in which Sasappis lived, but much like the broken heart theory, it would likely feel like a letdown for fans. If it is from a poisonous bite, fans may feel like it should have been revealed far earlier in the show, especially before deaths that were sacrificial and season anchors.
2Sasappis Was Murdered By Shiki’s Father
Did Sasappis Last Gesture Cost Him His Life?
Sasappis' unrequited love for Shiki, a ghost stuck at the Ulster County Review building, has been one of his most prominent plots inGhosts. Reddit useru/LariRedtheorized that the gesture may have cost him his life, as either her father or a family member challenged him to a fight, as perhaps they didn’t approve of him or want her to be involved with another member of the tribe.
This theory tracks, as we know that Shiki never knew of the deer prior to Sasappis' deathfor reasons currently unknown to viewers. It’s entirely plausible that either her father or a member of her family tribe attacked for fought him to keep him away, leading to his demise. The only missing piece of this theory is the lack of visible damage, but any damage could be covered by his satchel around his neck, especially if received during battle.
1Thorfinn Accidentally Electrocuted Sasappis In His Sleep
This Theory Would Explain A Lot About Their Friendship
Thorfinn and Sasappis are the oldest (known) spirits that are stuck to Woodstone Manor. They have had a friendship forged over centuries, beginning with Thorfinn learning the Lenape language to speak to Sasappis. However, Reddit useru/HistoryGirlSemperFiprovides the most interesting for Sasappis' death, one that feels pitch perfect forGhostsand its more comical portayal of life and death: Thorfinn accidentally electrocuted him, killing him in the process.
Thorfinn could have still been learning the strength of his ghost power — controlling electricity due to his own electrocution less than five hundred years prior — and may have summoned a little too much juice one night and zapped Sass in his sleep. Our favorite theory, this would add another complicated layer to their friendship inGhosts, and would make for a great story arc through season 6 as they navigate this new normal together.
