Ashland Locke's death would leave Kyle as Harrison's only parent on 'The Young and the Restless'

What you are about to read is a projected possibility and is not a spoiler or a leaked script.

When Richard Burgi joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 2021 it was reported that his character Ashland Locke would only be around for the summer. The Lockeness Monster has been in Genoa City for five months and there are only a few weeks left in August. Unless something has changed and his contract was extended Locke will soon be gone. This is why those who watch the CBS daytime drama should prepare for the possibility that Victoria's fiancee might die suddenly.

The powers that be for daytime drama can extend contracts or fire actors before their allotted time runs out. Nothing has been said about Burgi's time on the show being extended so he probably is scheduled to exit soon. For months, spoilers, the rumor mill, and many fans have been suspecting that the Lockness monster is pulling some type of scam on Victoria and is not sick at all. At this point, Ashland seems to truly be in love with Victor's daughter and has asked her to marry him.

Ashland has also decided to seek treatment for his illness and is taking medication but it might be too much, too little, too late. If Richard Burgi is still slated to leave THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS his time is almost up. He might die prior to or just after marrying Victoria. The writers could be building the story up only to have it all fall apart. Vasland's whirlwind relationship and business merger seem to be going a little fast for many viewers. It all could have been predetermined so that Victoria will experience the sudden loss of the man she loves.

If Ashland dies this would leave Kyle as the sole parent for Harrison and he could take him to Italy without any problems. Ashland might be told in the near future that his illness is progressing and that had he sought treatment earlier he might have had a chance. Those who watch THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS know that for at least five months, (on-screen) Mr. Locke has just accepted his fate. This was a crucial time where he possibly could have received the necessary medical help that would have saved his life.

Ashland has resources and money for the best medical care but he did absolutely nothing regarding his health which might have sealed his fate. On Wednesday, as he was talking to Victoria, Ashland grabbed his stomach as if in pain which indicates he is in trouble. Tara is in jail and her portrayer Elizabeth Lenier is no longer on the CBS soap. Michael Mealor has filmed his last scenes on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and this week or next will probably be his last time on screen.

Something will have to be done about Harrison and a long-drawn-out custody battle is not going to happen unless Michael Mealor is immediately replaced. Hunter King still has not acknowledged that she is leaving THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS but by all indications, her character Summer is remaining in Italy with Kyle. Ashland told Jack that he was not going to let a couple of inexperienced kids raise his son which suggests he is willing to fight for his parental rights. If he dies, Kyle will have full custody of his son by default.

It's possible but not likely that Harrison will remain in the Abbott mansion and the custody battle between Ashland and Kyle will be off-screen. Once Mealor and King are gone they probably will only be mentioned occasionally. This is why Ashland Locke's demise will be the best solution to solve immediate problems on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. The writers could always have something else planned but don't be surprised if when Victoria is at her happiest, disaster will strike.