how did sam witwicky die

Well, in the 'Transformers' franchise, Sam Witwicky, portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, didn't explicitly die. He was the main character in the first three 'Transformers' movies, showcasing his unique connection with the Autobots. After 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' released in 2011, Sam's character was written out. He didn't appear anymore in subsequent films.

Despite being a central figure in the first trilogy, his absence was hardly addressed in the latter movies. So, we don't really have a clear answer if Sam Witwicky died or simply was phased out as the series redirection.

In the adrenaline-pumped universe of 'Transformers', Sam Witwicky's exit is kind of an enigma. Portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, Sam is the human protagonist of the first three movies, his character being intertwined with the Autobots from the inception of the franchise. The constant human link to the robotic extra-terrestrial beings, Sam goes through myriad adventures, evading brushes with death many times.

However, after the third movie, 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon', Sam, inexplicably, ceases to be a part of the narrative. In the subsequent movies, there's hardly any mention of his absence, which leaves us fans grappling for answers. An interesting theory promulgated by fans is that Sam might have gone into hiding, given the constant threats he encountered due to his affiliation with the Autobots. Others speculate that his character was shelved because of a shift in direction, favoring a whole new storyline.

Unfortunately, the franchise hasn't quench our curiosity by providing us clear answers. Therefore, the fate of Sam Witwicky remains a mystery. While there's implied death or deliberate departure, without clear confirmation, we can only speculate and hope for a return, or perhaps a closure.