A Heartbreaking Sacrifice Leaves Summer Bay Shattered

Next week in Home and Away, the fallout from Theo Poulos’s death sends shockwaves through Summer Bay, as Leah’s grief spirals into rage—and ultimately leads to her being barred from the funeral by Theo’s mother, Cassandra.

The tragedy begins when Lacey finally corners corrupt councillor Wendell, determined to expose the truth about her mother Kristina’s death. Though Wendell confesses, everything unravels when he attempts to flee—driving straight at Lacey in a horrifying act of desperation. Theo leaps forward to save her, pushing her out of harm’s way, and is struck instead. He dies at the scene as Wendell speeds off, leaving Lacey in shock and the Bay reeling.

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Leah’s Grief Boils Over Into Blame

When Leah returns home from Eden and Cash’s wedding, she’s met by police officers who deliver the devastating news. At the crash site, she arrives just in time to see Theo’s body bag being lifted into a private ambulance—a moment that sends her into emotional collapse.

Meanwhile, Lacey gives David her eyewitness account, identifying Wendell as both Kristina’s killer and Theo’s. As the investigation intensifies, Leah becomes consumed with guilt, replaying her final argument with Theo and convincing herself she failed him.

The next morning, despite Alf and Marilyn’s support, Leah turns her grief outward—blaming Lacey for everything. When Lacey later visits with David to tell Leah that Theo died protecting her, Leah lashes out, declaring Lacey has “destroyed everything.” Justin tries to soothe Leah, but her grief spirals into denial—she didn’t see Theo herself, so how can she be certain?

Her desperation escalates until she disappears from the house, determined to get answers the moment Theo’s body is released.

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Cassandra Arrives—and the Emotional Divide Deepens

Theo’s mother Cassandra arrives from the city and is devastated to learn her son had moved out without telling her. As Leah recounts the street-racing incidents and Lacey’s involvement, Cassandra becomes hurt and overwhelmed by how much she didn’t know.

But at the police station, Leah’s emotional interruptions make it difficult for Cassandra to understand David’s full briefing. Frustrated, she asks Leah to wait outside while she hears the details. When Cassandra finally returns, she unleashes months of pent-up fear and confusion, furious that Leah—who promised to protect Theo—could not keep him safe.

When Leah again tries to place total blame on Lacey, Cassandra stops her cold.

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Leah Is Banned From Theo’s Funeral

Cassandra reaches her breaking point. She tells Leah that her constant accusations are causing more harm, and delivering a crushing blow, declares:

“I don’t want you at my son’s funeral.”

Leah is stunned. Justin tries to intervene, but the damage is done. Cassandra leaves, heartbroken but firm, while Leah is left sobbing in disbelief—her grief now compounded by guilt, rage, and complete isolation.