<P> Shane Walsh was created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore, the writer and original artist of The Walking Dead comic book series . The character first appeared in the first issue of the comic book series in October 2003, but was expanded upon greatly in the television show adapted from the comics in 2010 . As a result, Shane lives much longer in the chronology of the story in the show than he does in the comics . Kirkman described the comic book version of Shane's character as a short and quick "wham, bam, thank you ma'am" arc compared to that of his counterpart in the television series . Kirkman said he preferred the show's version of Shane and that the differences between the two versions of the character illustrate the ability to explore and evolve elements from the comic book in different ways on the show . </P> <P> Jon Bernthal portrayed Shane in the television series, marking the actor's most high - profile role to that date . Bernthal and Andrew Lincoln, who was eventually cast as protagonist Rick Grimes, auditioned for the show together and were the first to be chosen for the regular cast . Series creator Frank Darabont originally had all actors audition for the role of Rick, including Bernthal, and then brought back the actors under close consideration to audition for Shane and other roles . Bernthal, however, wanted to portray the part of Shane from early on and fought for the part, despite knowing that the character would die early in the series . </P> <P> Robert Kirkman said Shane's death was planned for the TV Series adaptation "before the first episode of season one was shot ." "Frank Darabont had actually planned to do it at the end of the first season before he knew that the first season was going to be six episodes . Once the show was given a six - episode order it was decided that we would hold Shane's death for the second season . But from the very first day of planning the second season it was mapped out that Shane would be kicking the bucket at the end of this season ." Bernthal said he liked playing a role he knew would end early because it allowed him to craft a full story arc from beginning to end and "really show the colors" of the character . </P> <P> Bernthal grew very close to Darabont and publicly voiced his disappointment when Darabont was forced out of the series . This led to speculation that Bernthal asked to be written out of the series due to Darabont's departure, but Bernthal stated that this was not the case . Kirkman said he loved Bernthal's performance as Shane and hated to see him leave the series, but felt it was necessary for the story . Likewise, Bernthal agreed with that direction for the character, and said he saw his role as "being a soldier for the story". Shane's death at the hands of Rick was the last scene Bernthal filmed for the show . The filming lasted all night until sunrise, and the entire cast attended out of respect for Bernthal, including Jeffrey DeMunn, who at that point had already left the series and flew in specifically to be there . </P>

When did shane die in the walking dead