Welp, don't tell the kids: In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue #44, Donatello dies following a gruesome battle with Bebop and Rocksteady.

In the issue, Leonardo, Raphael and Michelangelo leave Donatello behind as they embark on a quest to stop Krang's latest ploy for galactic domination. Donatello was left to stand guard from TMNT HQ with a robot named Metalhead when Bebop and Rocksteady stopped by on orders from Shredder. 

The ensuing battle was just too much for Donatello, who fell after Rocksteady managed to crush his shell with a sledgehammer.

Presenting the single image capable of shattering your childhood:

Sure, it's possible Donatello might've survived but upon Leonardo, Raphael and Michelangelo's return, ally and friend Angel Bridge seemingly confirms the death by saying "I swear, we tried to help him, Leo. But... But it was too late." 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #44 is out now.