“The Gilded Age” killed off Claybourne Elder’s beloved character on Sunday night’s episode. John, who was a descendant of President John Adams, was fatally struck by a speeding horse carriage on the streets of New York City, moments after sharing a romantic exchange with his former lover Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson).

HBO has handed a Season 4 renewal to Julian Fellowes’ period drama The Gilded Age. The pickup comes ahead of the Season 3 finale on August 10, which will wrap some storylines while setting up more drama and intrigue.