Fans were assured that the actor is ‘alive and kicking’ (Picture: Courtesy of Netflix)

Stranger Things fans were sent into a frenzy of panic when one of the stars of the show had a post shared on their Instagram profile… which made people think that they’d died.

The cast of the Netflix series are currently in the middle of filming the fifth and final season, which will see the gang – including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Will (Noah Schnapp) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) – go up against the villainous Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).

One person whose fate was left on a cliffhanger at the end of season four was Max (Sadie Sink), who was killed but then brought back to life by Eleven, before being hospitalised while in a coma.

In a new post on her Instagram profile, the first on her grid since November 2023, Sadie could be seen posing a series of atmospheric shots, several of them in black and white.

In the caption, it was revealed that someone else was sharing the post on the 21-year-old’s behalf, which immediately made some fans think the worst when paired with the black and white images.

Photographer Damon Baker wrote: ‘This is Damon Baker posting on behalf of Sadie Sink, because she could not be bothered to download instagram… it has been a beautiful, creative start to the new year. With love, D&S 🖤.’

The caption threw fans off when they first glanced at it (Picture: Instagram/@sadiesink_)

It had been months since Sadie’s last post (Picture: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Straight away, several people began leaving concerned comments, with user @osvaldotc_ writing: ‘I thought she died for a second 😭😭😭.’

‘I THOUGHT SHE WENT TO THE PEARLY GATES,’ @idaaanjie exclaimed, while @tazzymikes admitted: ‘That caption scared me so much before I expanded it.’

Instagram user @abbeyt29 revealed that the caption made them ‘jump’, as they thought that ‘something bad happened’ to Sadie.

Meanwhile, @igobyava1 quipped; ‘I think we learned something today: caption things better.’

Despite the initial fright, fans realised after taking a closer look at the caption and the pictures that Sadie is alive and well, which was also confirmed by the photographer who shared the post in the first place.

Damon was quick to shut down any panicked speculation (Picture: Instagram)

Fans are desperate to know what will happen to Max in the final season of Stranger Things after she was targeted by Vecna (Picture: Tina Rowden/Netflix)

Damon added in a comment: ‘I can confirm that S is alive and kicking, in fact she’s cramming herself into a suitcase as I write this. As you do!’

One fan account called @sadiesarts thanked Damon for the clarification, writing: ‘Thanks for informing us Damon, so glad she’s okay hope you’re too.’

Damon and Sadie have been close friends and collaborators for at least several months now, after he posted a heartfelt dedication to her on Instagram in September.

He wrote at the time: ‘I’m usually one for lots of words but this time I’m finding it a little difficult to place my connection with Sadie into words. Have you ever just met someone and in the shortest amount of time you just connect in a way that you forget what life was like without them? That’s kind of how my friendship here feels.

‘I’m not going to lie, it isn’t always easy coming across new friends so effortlessly and authentically and I’m so grateful this friendship has been born. Thank you for making me laugh, making me feel like i can be myself in any situation and for letting me capture your magic! Weirdos forever. Love you Edwin(a) 😋.’

‘Endless love for you!! 🖤,’ she responded, to which the photographer replied: ‘Forever!’

Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Stranger Things actor stuns fans with topless photo shoot as they can’t believe his age

MORE : Stranger Things fans go wild as season 5 photo confirms character’s return after ‘death’

Fans were assured that the actor is ‘alive and kicking’.