‘Walking Dead’ Star Jeffrey Dean Morgan Mourns Heartbreaking Personal Loss

Michelle SteinSun, August 2, 2026 at 6:05 PM UTC

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Jeffrey Dean Morgan - Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan is mourning a heartbreaking personal loss following the death of his beloved donkey, Paxton.

On Saturday, August 1, the actor who plays Negan Smith took to Instagram with a sad update.

“No words really. Just the memories of a beautiful boy that never knew he was a donkey,” Morgan, 60, captioned his tribute. “I loved him. From the day I helped his mama give birth, Paxton figured he was either a person, or a dog at minimum. He was the light of mischief… and the mischief of mischief.”

He continued, “Woke yesterday and he couldn’t get up… vets all came, and he sat in my lap for hours while a team of wonderful folks worked on him. It was decided we’d rush him to Cornell veterinarian hospital for best treatment… never crossed my mind I’d lose him. That I’d not see him again. Still reeling. Can’t process at all. It’s part of farm life… we’ve dealt with loss. It’s never easy. But Paxton? I can’t imagine farm without him.”

In the wake of the donkey’s death, Morgan said he was “up all night checking on his friends,” noting that there were “still so many unanswered questions” about what happened.

“Only ones more depressed are his mom, ‘Mama,’ and his donk bestie ‘Princess,’ who are devastated,” he added.

Morgan said that his wife, One Tree Hill actress Hilarie Burton, and their kids, a son, Augustus, 16, and a daughter, George, 8, were not home. He admitted, “Selfishly, I wish they were… but better for kids for now to be having fun. Because this is just too hard.”

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To conclude his post, the Walking Dead: Dead City actor shared, “I know many loved Paxton, followed him from his birth and ask daily about him. Now you know… he’s with Bandit, who he adored… mostly because he thought he really was a dog and bandit would try to sneak him into house… Rest in peace my boy. We love you so much. You taught us all, but especially me, more than you’ll ever know… mostly just by listening to my stories and gracing me, all of us, with patience and love.”

In the comments, Morgan’s followers showered him with well-wishes and prayers. Kelly Ripa shared, “Oh no, I’m so sorry. It really sucks. Sending my love and condolences to you and the whole family. Rip Paxton.”

Another Instagram user wrote, “Oh, it breaks my heart to hear about Paxton. I read Hil’s book years ago snd she talked about your special bond with him. I’m so very sorry. From one animal lover to the next, here is a big hug. I’m so sorry.”

Someone else echoed, “Oh no. Jeff I’m so sorry, there’s just nothing for it,” alongside an emoji of praying hands.

Meanwhile, yet another fan commented, “Oh no, Paxton! :( I’m so sorry for your loss dude. No amount of words could be said to ease the pain of your loss. Just know I’ll be keeping you and your family as well as Paxton and Bandit in my thoughts and prayers.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”