Jay Gatsby dies after being shot by George Wilson. Gatsby is in his swimming pool when Wilson, believing Gatsby was responsible for the death of his wife Myrtle (who was actually killed in a car accident involving Daisy driving Gatsby's car), arrives at Gatsby's mansion and shoots him. Wilson then kills himself shortly afterward. This tragic event occurs because Wilson is misled to think Gatsby was both the driver and Myrtle's lover. Gatsby refuses to flee despite Nick's advice, choosing to take the blame to protect Daisy