Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Outer Banks season 3!Ward Cameron's death in Outer Banks season 3 is among the biggest events to unfold in the finale, and it directly sets up Rafe as season 4's main villain. The father and son have long been at the center of the show's major conflicts, so it was hardly a surprise to see that continue in the newest season and create disagreements between them. This included Rafe hiring someone to kill his father, only to save Ward's life at the last second. Despite the eldest Cameron child returning to aid his father, he stays behind in Outer Banks as Ward travels with the Pogues as they search for El Dorado.
https://screenrant.com/outer-banks-season-3-death-ward-rafe-4-villain/