After the birth of John Edzard, her youngest child and only son, Walburgis needed to recover and moved from Esens to Wittmund.

A short time later, she moved back to Esens, where she died on 26 May 1586 at the age of 30.

With her death, the Rietberg line of the House of Werl-Arnsberg died out.

Under torture, one of the three women suspected of the crime confessed.

Although the doctors certified a natural death, the three suspects were burned on the stake on 11 May 1586.