At the start of the Legends of Tomorrow season 3 finale, Rip removed the Waverider’s time drive from its housing, causing it to become unstable and explode.
At the start of the season finale, Rip Hunter (Arthur Darvill) sacrificed himself to buy the Legends time to escape from Mallus.
Still, Rip’s death in the Legends of Tomorrow season 3 finale may stick, though fans will be disappointed to see Darvill leave the show.
Rip was a key member of the team, of course, being the one who assembled the crew way back in the Legends of Tomorrow series premiere.