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Sarah Hopper was the daughter of Diane and Jim Hopper. She died of cancer at a young age. Her death permanently changed her father and provided much of his motivation in the search for Will Byers.

Quick Answers

What was the cause of Sara Hopper's death? toggle section
Sara Hopper, the daughter of Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, tragically passed away due to cancer. However, it's suggested that her father's exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War might have been the probable cause of her illness. Actor David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, has hinted that there might be more to the story of Sara's death that could be explored in future seasons.
Provided by: Fandom
How did Jim Hopper's military service potentially impact his family? toggle section
Jim Hopper's military service had a profound impact on his family, particularly his daughter, Sara Hopper. During his time in the Vietnam War, Hopper was exposed to a toxic gas known as Agent Orange. Unfortunately, this exposure likely led to Sara developing cancer later in life, despite being born perfectly healthy. This tragic turn of events deeply affected Hopper and his family, leading to a great deal of sorrow and guilt on his part.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the relationship between Sara Hopper and David Harbour? toggle section
Sara Hopper is a character from the Netflix original television series Stranger Things, and David Harbour is the actor who portrays her father, Chief Jim Hopper. So, in the context of the show, Sara Hopper is David Harbour's on-screen daughter.
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What happened to Jim Hopper's wife, Diane? toggle section
Diane, portrayed by Jerri Tubbs, is the ex-wife of Jim Hopper and the mother of their late daughter, Sara Hopper. Diane and Jim were together for seven years, but they divorced after the tragic death of their daughter. Following their divorce, Diane moved on and remarried, having another child. Despite the end of their marriage, it's hinted that Hopper has reached out to her in hopes of rekindling their relationship, but Diane has moved on.
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Does Jim Hopper return in season 4 of Stranger Things? toggle section
Yes, Jim Hopper does return in season 4 of Stranger Things. Despite being trapped in Russia when the season begins, he is revealed to be alive and part of the storyline.
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History

When playing in the park with her parents, Sarah was suddenly and inexplicably terrified by something and started to hyperventilate. Jim sat her down and guided her breathing to calm her down.

Sarah was later put in the hospital and treated with chemotherapy, causing her to lose her hair. Her father stayed with her in bed and read her the children's novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. She later passed away in the hospital as her parents watched. The doctors tried to revive her with CPR to no avail.[1]

Sarah-Hopper-2

Jim Hopper reading a book to Sarah while her mother watches.

Appearances

Season One appearances
The Vanishing of Will Byers The Weirdo on Maple Street Holly, Jolly The Body
The Flea and the Acrobat The Monster The Bathtub The Upside Down*

*Sarah appears in flashback scenes in "The Upside Down".

Trivia

  • Sarah had a stuffed tiger toy in her bed at the hospital. Eleven and Will were also shown with stuffed toys, though they had lions. They used their lions for comfort after facing and when hiding from the monster.
  • Actor David Harbour (Jim Hopper) stated that the cause of Sarah's death is a secret that might be explored in season 2, suggesting that cancer is not the full story.[2]
  • The credits of "The Upside Down" refer to Sarah as "Sara Hopper" while the captions use "Sarah".

References

  1. Season 1, Chapter 8: "The Upside Down"
  2. "David Harbour AMA" Reddit. August 2, 2016.
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