Later in the evening, Jean bonds with Johnna after the older woman allows her to smoke some marijuana in her room. She confides to Johnna that her parents are separated and are attempting to hide the fact from the family. Bill and Barbara argue over the cause of their separation as they make a bed out of the fold - out sofa in the living room: Bill is sleeping with a much - younger woman, one of his students at the university where he teaches. At five AM, the local sheriff, Deon Gilbeau (Barbara 's high school boyfriend) rings the doorbell and breaks the news that Beverly has been found drowned. Barbara goes to identify the body as Violet comes downstairs in a drug - addled fog. The act ends with her spiraling into confusion.
how did beverly die in august osage county
drowned