Stranger Things 4 originally planned to kill off Max permanently

The idea of putting Max in a coma actually came about during the 6 month pandemic delay, and the proposed ending was changed.

Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained

Does Max Die in the 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Finale? Sadie Sink's Character “Death,” Explained

Stranger Things' Season 4: Everything We Know So Far

What happens at the end of Stranger Things Season 4? - Dexerto

Max Mayfield, Stranger Things Wiki

A Stranger Things Script Pic Has Led Fans To A New Theory About Max

Stranger Things' Matt & Ross Duffer Season 4 Finale's Deaths, Epic Season 5 – Deadline

Stranger Things S4 E9: Chapter 9: The Piggyback / Recap - TV Tropes

Eleven (Stranger Things) - Wikipedia