The typical way to die involves dropping to zero hit points first.

But if something such as *Power Word Kill*, kills a creature instantly, is it specified in the rules that the creature “drops to zero hit points” (thus triggering any effects based on that condition)?

To clarify, I understand that dead means dead, and dead creatures do not get to make death saving throws. The question is, does the act of a creature dying make its hit point total zero?

[The recent question about Paladin’s Steed][1]  is the inspiration for this question. I know I would *rule* that getting dead means going to zero hit points — I just haven’t seen that said as much in official material.


  [1]: https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/102764/what-happens-to-a-paladins-summoned-steed-if-the-paladin-dies