Hughie Campbell's girlfriend killed in the first episode is Robin Ward. In the series premiere, “The Name of the Game,” Robin is standing with Hughie when A-Train runs through her at superhuman speed, instantly killing her. The traumatic death becomes the event that pulls Hughie into the conflict between ordinary people, Vought International, and the increasingly reckless superheroes known as Supes.
Robin's death is not presented as an intentional attack on Hughie or Robin. A-Train is pursuing another Supe while under the influence of Compound V, and the collision demonstrates how little accountability powerful heroes face when civilians are harmed. Vought later offers Hughie a settlement, trying to resolve the incident financially rather than publicly acknowledging responsibility.
A common mix-up is confusing Robin Ward with Robin Mawhinney, the character's name in the comic-book version of The Boys. The television adaptation changes both the surname and some details of her death. Robin Ward is portrayed by Jess Salgueiro, while Hughie is played by Jack Quaid.