Why did Aaron (Ross Marquand) lose his arm in The Walking Dead?

Actor Ross Marquand is well known for several roles including Red Skull in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Aaron in The Walking Dead. Introduced in season 5 as a recruiter for Alexandria, Aaron loses his arm in season 9, episode 2, "The Bridge."

The ninth season of The Walking Dead is well known as the season in which Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) is thought to have died in an explosion to account for Lincoln's desire to depart the series. This is a monumental moment in the series, but a lot more happens during this season, including Aaron's arm being amputated.

At the work site for the bridge, the one Rick would blow up a few episodes later, a horde of walkers descended. Jed (Rhys Coiro), a former Savior, gets spooked, causing him to let go of the rigging rope, which causes an enormous log to pin Aaron down. The group lifts the log to find Aaron's arm crushed.

Daryl rushes Aaron to the make-shift infirmary set up at the work site, where Enid (Katelyn Macon), who had been receiving medical training from Siddiq (Avi Nash), assesses the injury. She decides the arm must be amputated to save Aaron. He agrees, and Daryl ties the tourniquet before Enid removes the limp with a bone saw.

After the six-year time jump, Aaron is seen with a prosthetic arm, which was likely created by Eugene (Josh McDermitt) with his engineering skills, or Earl Sutton (John Finn), who is an excellent blacksmith. His new arm was equipped with interchangeable attachments, a wooden hand, and a mace.

Aaron adapted well to his new arm and continued to be a leader within the communities. He lost much during his storyline, including Eric (Jordan Woods Robinson) and Jesus (Tom Payne). Eric's loss would be somewhat consoled when he adopted Gracie (Annabelle Holloway s9-s11). When Jesus died at the hands of the Whisperers, Aaron did everything he could to bring the group down. The intel he gained from his deal with Mary/Gamma (Thora Birch) was integral in the defeat of Alpha's (Samantha Morton) group.

Ross Marquand - health scare

In December 2023, Marquand shared a health update after a spot on his nose was found to be cancerous. He encouraged his fans to get things checked out and prioritize their mental, physical, or emotional health.

Since The Walking Dead aired its final season in 2022, Marquand has kept himself busy with convention appearances and lots of voice acting. He is a master at impersonations, and fans love to hear the different celebs he can mimic.

He voices Rudy/Immortal in Invincible and Invincible: Atom Eve and several voices in X-Men '97. His voice appears in four episodes of Marvel Studios What If...?, Grimsburg, Megamind Rules!, Disney Speedstorm, and Chicago Party Aunt.

Marquand has filmed Tuesday's Flu, a thriller directed by Daniel Roebuck. The movie also stars Tony Todd and Jackie Earl Haley. A release date has yet to be announced. He has also lent his voice talents to Avenging Justice, an animated sketch comedy that also stars the voice talents of fellow Walking Dead actor Khary Payton.

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