TV & Movies

Does Vernon “Doc” Mullins die in the Virgin River books?

Daisy Phillipson
Tim Matheson as Vernon "Doc" Mullens in Virgin RiverNetflix

Virgin River on Netflix is both heartwarming and heartbreaking – but surely a character as beloved as Vernon “Doc” Mullins isn’t going to die, right… right? Here’s what you need to know about if Doc dies in the Virgin River books.

Virgin River has proven to be an absolute streaming juggernaut on Netflix thanks to its blend of soapy drama, heart-warming romance, and examination of real-life issues, alongside many twists and turns. 

The series is based on Robyn Carr’s books of the same name, and while there are some major differences between the two, we can look to the pages for clues as to where the plot might go in the distant future. 

While some previously believed there was a big revelation in store for Virgin River’s resident physician, others were worried he doesn’t have a future at all. So, here’s what we know about whether Doc dies in the books.

Does Vernon “Doc” Mullins die in the Virgin River books?

Yes, Doc eventually dies in the Virgin River books. The doctor, who is in his 70s, passes away in book six, Temptation Ridge, seemingly from a heart attack.

In the novel, Paul breaks the bad news to Cameron, who asks what happened. “Not entirely sure,” says Paul. “Mel found him face down on the clinic floor and tried to revive him with CPR, but he never came around.”

He adds: “The new baby, little Emma, was lying on the floor right next to him, like maybe he’d been holding her when he had a heart attack or something.”

Cameron admits that while he only “met the man once,” it was clear Doc “was a crackerjack small-town doc who cared about his people… damn, that’s a great loss for Virgin River.” 

Mel is with Doc as he passes, performing CPR and using the defibrillator with the assistance of Preacher and Jack until the paramedics show up. 

Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe and Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins in Virgin RiverNetflix

Although she does everything she can, he dies, at which point Mel removes the defibrillator, kisses him on the forehead, and says: “You are such a pain in the ass. How dare you leave me like this?” 

Before you start worrying about Doc’s fate in the Netflix series, let it be known that one of the biggest differences between the books and the show is the timeframe, with the latter moving at a much slower pace. 

So if new showrunner Patrick Sean Smith does decide to use this plot point, rest assured that it likely won’t be for a very long time. For now, Doc is busy getting excited about Lizzie and Denny’s big news in Season 5 Part 2.

Virgin River Seasons 1-5 are available to stream on Netflix now. You can check out more of our Virgin River coverage in the links below: 

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