Michael Myers’ Most Disturbing Kill: A Look at Halloween II

HADDONFIELD, Ill. — The Halloween franchise, spanning 13 films, is known for its disturbing kill scenes, primarily orchestrated by the iconic killer, Michael Myers. The gruesome legacy of the franchise has seen many memorable deaths, but one stands out as particularly haunting: the death of Ben Tramer in the 1981 film Halloween II.

Halloween II picks up right after the first film, following Michael Myers as he evades law enforcement and stalks Laurie Strode, who is recovering in Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As Dr. Loomis and Haddonfield police search for Myers, a tragic misunderstanding occurs involving Tramer, a 17-year-old boy dressed as a ghost, that leads to his brutal demise.

During a chase, Dr. Loomis and Sheriff Brackett mistakenly identify Tramer as Michael. In a panic, Tramer runs onto the street and is struck by a police car, leading to a horrific scene where he is pinned against a van and engulfed in flames. This scene is both shocking and memorable, as it starkly contrasts the horror typically associated with Michael’s killings.

What makes Tramer’s death particularly disturbing is that it does not involve Michael Myers or the supernatural elements often present in the series. The horror stems from a tragic mistake by the police, highlighting the chaos and violence of a community on edge. After the incident, Tramer is never mentioned again in the series, emphasizing a stark absence of justice for his gruesome fate.

The haunting image of a young boy, innocent and simply out for Halloween, meeting such a cruel end has lingering implications about accountability and community response in times of fear. While the Halloween series has seen its share of creative twists and numerous sequels, some fans believe that the emotional weight of Tramer’s death adds depth to the film’s narrative and character arcs.

Ben Tramer’s death still resonates within horror circles, illustrating that even in a franchise filled with supernatural terror, real-life tragedies often emerge as the most unsettling events. Thankfully, this particular storyline has since been deemed non-canon in the latest Halloween timeline.