Dark Secrets Exposed: Larissa Genrette’s Death and Her Son’s Shocking Storyline in Outer Banks Season 4

Larissa Genrette's portrait and Rudy Pankow as JJ in Outer Banks.

Outer Banks season 4, part 1 introduces many new characters, like Larissa Genrette, who is never physically seen (outside of her portrait) but still significantly impacts the story. Season 4 jumps ahead 18 months after the events of the Outer Banks season 3 finale, aka when the Pogues found El Dorado. The six teens — John B, Sarah, Pope, Kiara, JJ, and Cleo — use their newfound fortune to build a business and a home for themselves. Unfortunately, their happiness (and riches) doesn’t last forever, and they return to treasure hunting to make ends meet, which is where the Genrettes come in.

As teased during the flashforward in the Outer Banks season 3 finale, a man named Wes Genrette approaches the Pogues with a proposition to find Blackbeard’s treasure (specifically, the amulet of the infamous pirate’s wife, Elizabeth). They ultimately take the old man up on his offer to acquire the amulet in exchange for $50,000. However, as always, things go terribly wrong for the Pogues in Outer Banks season 4, and along the way, the characters learn shocking secrets tying one of their own to the Genrette family.

Larissa Genrette’s Backstory As A Kook In The Outer Banks Explained

Larissa Was Wes Genrette’s Daughter

The Pogues travel to Goat Island to meet with Wes Genrette in Outer Banks season 4, episode 2. At his house, Wes explains how his ancestor is Francis Genrette, the officer responsible for killing Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, and his wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth pleaded with Francis to let her retrieve her most prized possession, an amulet her husband gave her, before her death. But Francis declined and murdered her. According to Wes, ever since Elizabeth died in 1718, her ghost has haunted and terrorized generations of Genrettes, including Wes’ daughter, Larissa. They will see Elizabeth’s apparition and violently die shortly after.

Not much is known about Larissa’s past other than the fact that she was a part of the Genrette family, meaning she was a Kook. However, per Deputy Shoupe, everyone knew Larissa. Sometime later in her life, Larissa met Chandler Groff, and the two got married. Larissa then gave birth to a baby boy, but soon after, reports claimed that she and the infant tragically died, leaving Chandler as a widow and Wes as the only known living Genrette alive. Of course, that was until Wes’ death in Outer Banks season 4.

How Larissa Genrette Died & What Really Happened To Her

Larissa Drowned On The Albatross

Larissa Genrette's portrait in Outer Banks season 4

According to Wes, his daughter saw Elizabeth’s ghost a week before she died, as the pirate’s wife continues haunting the Genrettes after Francis Genrette killed her and Blackbeard in Outer Banks season 4. Larissa and her baby were aboard a boat called the Albatross when they drowned. Some speculated that Larissa was possessed or that she was responsible for both deaths due to postpartum depression. Ultimately, no one was held accountable for Larissa’s and the baby’s deaths, and they were ruled as accidents.

Outer Banks season 4, part 1 never reveals how old Larissa was when she died. Going off of context clues, though, Larissa must have been in her early to mid-20s when she and her baby drowned. Additionally, viewers know that Larissa’s death happened almost two decades prior to the events of Outer Banks season 4 because of part 1’s JJ identity twist.

Larissa Genrette Is JJ’s Real Mother: Outer Banks Twist Explained

Luke Isn’t JJ’s Birth Father

JJ looks at something in Outer Banks season 4 episode 5

Outer Banks season 4, part 1 ends on a cliffhanger, with Luke Maybank telling JJ that he’s not his birth father. In reality, JJ’s mother is Larissa Genrette and his father is Chandler Groff, meaning that their baby didn’t drown along with Larissa on that fateful night 19 years ago, seeing as JJ is still alive. Sadly, the episode ends before any other information is given.

Heading into the release of Outer Banks season 4, part 2, several details regarding JJ’s origin story are unknown, including why Luke raised him instead of Groff and why everyone thinks he died. Since Wes wrote JJ a letter, it seems as if he knew that the Pogue was his grandson. Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Groff is aware that JJ is his son, and if he isn’t, perhaps that’s why JJ’s true identity has been concealed for so long. Groff might be evil and behind the mysterious deaths, but only time will tell why JJ grew up as a Pogue in Outer Banks.

Related Posts

Michael Bublé Found a Girl Crying at a Bus Stop Every Day — Then One Afternoon, He Followed Her and Discovered a Heartbreaking Truth

In the bustling streets of Vancouver, where the hum of city life blends with the crisp Pacific breeze, Michael Bublé is a familiar figure. Known for his…

Sweet Magnolias Season 5 Set to Premiere on Netflix – Cast Reunites for an Epic Return to the Set, Fans Are Eager for the Next Chapter in the Beloved Drama Series!

Netflix fans have been anxiously waiting for the return of Sweet Magnolias, the heartwarming Southern drama that has captured the hearts of millions. Season 5, set to premiere…

Brad Pitt Opens Up: Facing Homophobic Bullying in the Ozarks!…How did his past shape his allyship? 🌟? 🏳️‍🌈

In a raw and revealing episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, aired on June 23, 2025, Hollywood icon Brad Pitt opened up about a deeply personal aspect…

Shocking Changes Ahead: The Waterfront Season 2 Set to Revamp Entire Cast – Will Your Favorite Characters Survive the Shakeup?🔥

The world of television often brings with it surprises that keep audiences at the edge of their seats, and none are more shocking than the announcement regarding…

A Girl Whispers to Blake Shelton: “Could You Pretend to Be My Dad?”—The Truth Behind His Tears

At 2:15 PM +07 on Friday, July 4, 2025, a poignant and deeply emotional moment has captured the hearts of millions, shedding light on a tender exchange…

Netflix’s New Crime Drama The Waterfront Has Viewers Hooked—Here’s Why You Need to Drop Everything and Watch It Now

If you were planning on doing anything tonight, cancel it. Seriously. You won’t want to be anywhere else but glued to your screen watching Netflix’s latest crime…