“Hopper rubbing Mike’s back—assuring him it’s going to be okay. They both visibly look upset—eventually, Hopper walks away, leaving Mike staring blankly for a while.”
I think it's gonna be the WHOLE Byers family that dies
Will for Mike, Joyce for Hopper
Then, to extend this theory, Lonnie will come back and will keep pressing the police. Hopper will tell him after the intense pressure, then that will be how the rumor REALLY gets out.
@Computeralt why tf would she do that? Have she and Hopper even met? They barely know each other. What’s more likely is her sacrificing herself for Mike