I was told companions were not supposed to die. It's in the Guide book as well (pg 63). Only by friendly fire.

On one character Uthgerd died (by dragon fire). Here, just now, Faendal died. We were archers against archers and there was no aoe fire (I don't even have anything like that) and he was behind me as well. I went looking for him http://steamcommunity.com/id/orionza/screenshot/648748436813381723.

Why?

Because non-essential companions can really die from attacks. They just stop being the focus of enemies when they drop down like that, but if they get hit by an attack they will die.

You need to move yourself away from your companion when he or she drops when fighting dragons or your companion will get caught in the next breath attack the dragon does which will result in death.

Was he a temporary companion that was supplied to you?

Cheers

Nope they can die by other things, like fire or being poisoned.

Enemies can kill your companion outright if they deal enough damage at once, or if the companion is hit by an area-of-effect while downed.

If you're on a PC they can be made essential (undying) using the console.

Yes I knew about setting them essential but didn't think I had to unless I was careful. I obviously didn't have the entire story. Thank you everyone! Guess I'll be getting that essential mod to set all the companions essential. I don't like them dying. If I can come back, so should my favorite companion too

EDIT: I think when he was down the archers were still firing volleys of arrows at us, and that must be how he died.

I feel thy pain, go to the nearest temple and pray for your friends passage tot he after life...

I have lost my first companion, and a dog. One to a dragon the other by a saber tooth, think some of my friendly fire did in the dog. But he did bark too much...

Are you sure you didn't hit them with anything. I've killed companions myself, damn exploding fireballs.