What Happened to Lee Dutton? Death, History & FAQS Answered

While we are all familiar with the Dutton children Kayce, Jamie and Beth, little is known about Lee.

While Lee didn’t survive the pilot episode of Yellowstone, fans are eager to know more about the oldest Dutton sibling.

In the season one premiere of Yellowstone, Lee Dutton, who is played by Dave Annable, is killed when trying to take back cattle stolen from Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Lee got caught in the crossfire and received a fatal gunshot wound from Robert Long, Kayce’s brother-in-law.

While Kayce tried to stop Long from shooting Lee again, he was too late to save his brother. In return, Kayce shot Long and killed him.

Where is Lee Buried?

Upon his death, Lee was buried at the family gravesite on the ranch. He was buried alongside other members of the Dutton family, including his mother, Evelyn.

Why Did They Cremate Lee in Yellowstone?

Just a few days after burying Lee, his family dug him up and had him cremated. This was out of fear medical examiners would perform an autopsy on the body.

Upon doing an autopsy, a connection could have been made that would link Kayce as the killer of Robert Long.

Lee’s body was cremated to protect Kayce from the consequences of his involvement in the crime.

Who is Lee Dutton’s Mother?

Lee Dutton is the son of Evelyn and John Dutton. He is the oldest of the Dutton children and was heavily involved with Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Evelyn Dutton died when her children were still young. She was out riding with Kayce and Beth when her horse spooked and fell on her. Kayce stayed to help his mother while Beth went off to get help.

By the time Beth arrived back with her father, Evelyn took her last breath and passed away. Her death took quite a toll on the family as they struggled to move on.

Why is Lee Dutton Missing from Family Photos?

Many fans of Yellowstone have noticed that Lee does not appear in family photos. While the reason for this has not been addressed by the show’s creators, some fans have speculations as to why this is.

In many of the photos in the Dutton’s home, only Jamie, Kayce, and Beth appear, not Lee. In addition, in many flashback scenes from when Lee was still alive, he is not present.

Some people believe that the lack of Lee is due to sloppy writing about his character.

Others believe that Lee may have been the one behind the camera when the pictures were taken. However, others theorize that Lee was away at school, while some think his absence from flashback scenes and photos has a deeper meaning.

When Dave Annable posted a video on October 29, 2020, on Instagram with the caption “Back to work baby!!! Hint: It’s cold here. Another hint: The beard is staying 🤠😉” fans got excited thinking he’d be returning to Yellowstone for season four.

Annable made a return to Yellowstone during a nightmarish vision Kacye experienced in season four episode “Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops.”

While we did see Lee briefly in season four, there is still much unknown about the oldest Dutton child. Many fans have hopes we will see more of Lee in Yellowstone season five.

What Did Kayce’s Vision of Lee Mean?

While engaging in a Lakota ceremony known as a Hanbleceya, or “crying for a vision,” Kayce has three visions. The first vision included Lee.

In the vision, Lee tells Kayce “You’re not doing what he asked. He (Mo) said pray for a vision, but I don’t see you praying.” Lee tells Kayce that he can help him if he lets him in, but Kayce tells him that he can’t.

Lee becomes aggressive, shouting, “Let me in, you f****g child, look at me! This is your vision, this is your destiny!” while blood pours out of his mouth. Kayce began screaming until the vision was over, and he started a new one.

While the true meaning of the visions and why Kayce saw Lee is unclear, there are several speculations.

While his visions appear to deal with the guilt and hardships of his past, it is unknown what they mean for his future. Many believe that he will have to choose between his life with Monica and Tate or the Duttons.