Actor Rudy Pankow as JJ in Netflix’s Outer Banks.

Emphasizing that the safety and lives of his friends are more important to him than anything else, JJ makes some dangerous, heroic moves throughout Outer Banks season 4, with one particular scene having a meaningful connection to his tragic backstory. Before JJ’s death in Outer Banks’ season 4 finale, he makes a series of selfless sacrifices that put his life at risk in order to help the other Pogues. His decision to give Groff the Blue Crown and save Kie ultimately culminated in his death, which happened just one episode after JJ nearly died saving Sarah from the ocean.

Though Sarah Cameron almost dying in Outer Banks has become a series-long trope, it seemed like her fate was going to tragically be sealed after falling off the boat in a storm. Sarah becomes stranded without a lifejacket, with John B looking on as he sees his pregnant wife drifting further behind in the violent waves. Suddenly, JJ runs, grabs a lifesaver, and dives into the treacherous ocean to swim after Sarah, potentially condemning both Pogues to death. JJ’s selflessness isn’t the least bit surprising, but this action goes much deeper due to the parallels to his own mother’s death.

JJ Rescuing Sarah From The Ocean Saved Her From Repeating His Mother’s Tragic Death

JJ’s Mother Was Said To Have Died By Drowning When He Was An Infan

JJ looking at portrait of Larissa Genrette in Outer Banks season 4 Larissa Genrette crying in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) between the Pogues and the show's poster Groff killing Larissa in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) Larissa Genrette's painting in Outer Banks. JJ looking at portrait of Larissa Genrette in Outer Banks season 4 Larissa Genrette crying in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) between the Pogues and the show's poster Groff killing Larissa in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) Larissa Genrette's painting in Outer Banks.

At the very end of Outer Banks season 4, part 1, JJ discovers that his real mother is Larissa Genrette and his real father is Chandler Groff. According to Luke, who worked for Larissa’s family, Groff approached him and asked for him to take care of JJ while Larissa wasn’t “well,” and later left JJ to be raised by Luke on his own. The story went that Larissa Genrette died by drowning with her infant son, but that wasn’t really the case, as Groff had actually bludgeoned her and JJ survived.

A flashback reveals Groff bludgeoned Larissa, but she may have still officially died by drowning after that attack.

Cut to Outer Banks season 4, episode 9, JJ finds Sarah, who is pregnant, on the verge of drowning to death in the ocean. JJ’s decision to jump in after Sarah has a deeper meaning in that it essentially allows him to save his own mother and himself all those years ago. Rather than repeat the tragic story, even if ultimately inaccurate, about Larissa Genrette and her baby fatally drowning, JJ takes matters into his own hands and saves Sarah and her baby.

Outer Banks Season 4 Already Set Up A Beautiful Way For John B & Sarah To Honor JJ’s Memory

Sarah & John B Can Name The Baby After JJ

Actors Rudy Pankow and Chase Stokes as JJ and John B in Netflix's Outer Banks.

If JJ hadn’t jumped in after Sarah, she would have joined Outer Banks season 4’s list of deaths. JJ was already John B’s best friend and was chosen as the baby’s godfather, but saving them suggests that the couple will pay tribute to his memory on a greater level. When Sarah and John B revealed to the group that she was pregnant, JJ suggested they name the baby after him, noting that it works for a boy or girl. After JJ’s death and sacrifice, Sarah and John B most likely will name the baby JJ in Outer Banks’ future.