After being released from the mental hospital, Laura Horton became a familiar face in Salem again as she popped in and out of town to spend time with her family and get involved in some dramatic storylines. However, the character said a final goodbye in 2021 when she was accidentally killed during a struggle with Gwen Rizczech. Gwen came to town looking to get to know her biological father, Jack Deveraux. Jack was stunned to find out that Gwen was his daughter, and it was later revealed that Laura knew about Gwen for decades. 

Laura explained that Gwen's mother had come to the Horton home to tell Jack about Gwen. However, she was met by Laura instead. Laura agreed to pay off Gwen's mother so that Jennifer wouldn't find out about Gwen, as at the time that couple had just gotten back together after a rocky time in their relationship.

Once Gwen found out that Laura was the reason she didn't get to grow up with Jack as her father, she was furious. Laura visited Gwen in her hotel room and tried to explain the situation. However, the two women ended up getting into a heated argument. During the confrontation, Gwen accidentally caused Laura to fall to the ground. Laura hit her head and died from the injury. Gwen later called Jack to help her and explained that Laura's death was an accident.