In the world encompassing the TV series Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and previously Chicago Justice, some losses have been particularly poignant. As we approach the 2025-2026 television season on NBC, this long-running franchise has already aired 36 seasons and close to 730 episodes, with no end in sight. With new seasons and episodes coming up, it’s reasonable to expect more tearful goodbyes, considering the emotional trajectory of the current shows.
The “Chicago” series collection showcases characters who enter blazing buildings, pursue dangerous felons, and attend to patients in one of the city’s largest hospitals’ emergency room. Though certain jobs are riskier than others (particularly for those on “Chicago Fire”), death is a constant presence among these characters. They lose people nearly every season. It may be that some characters exit the “One Chicago” world unscathed, but their departures still sting no less. No matter how they part ways, it’s always disheartening when significant characters bid farewell to their respective shows.
10. Leslie Shay
Played By Lauren German
In the third season of “Chicago Fire,” Leslie Shay’s heartbreaking demise marked a significant and lasting impact on the One Chicago franchise. Towards the end of season 2, it appeared that only a minor fire was burning at Firehouse 51, but an unexpected explosion caused widespread concern about the characters’ safety. Regrettably, the audience had to wait until the third season premiere to learn that Shay perished in the blast.
The pipe that plummeted hit Shay on her head, and it was impossible to rescue her, no matter how determined Gabby Dawson was. The entire firehouse, along with the viewers, were left in a state of shock due to Shay’s demise. Witnessing the characters from Chicago Fire, particularly Kelly Severide, mourn Shay was incredibly painful, and even after so many seasons, Shay’s death remains one of the most heart-wrenching.
9. Brian “Otis” Zvonecek
Played By Yuri Sardarov
In my opinion, among the poignant departures on “Chicago Fire,” Brian “Otis” Zvonecek stands out as a strong contender for the most heartrending exit. Much like Shay, Otis was there from the start, but he managed to stick around for a few extra seasons before his untimely demise in the season 8 opener took us all by surprise. Otis had become an integral part of the show, and his departure left a gaping hole that’s yet to be filled.
In the final episode of season 7 for the procedural drama, Firehouse 51 attended a blaze at a mattress factory. Regrettably, an internal boiler detonation triggered a backdraft, violently propelling Otis against a steel door. Although the door was damaged by the collision, sparing his fellow firefighters, it ultimately resulted in Otis’s death on Chicago Fire. He succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. However, before he passed away, Otis whispered to Cruz, using Russian, “Brother, I will always be with you,” leaving viewers heartbroken and ensuring that the demise of Otis would never be overlooked.
8. Chief Wallace Boden
Played By Eamonn Walker
It’s fortunate that Eamonn Walker’s character, Chief Wallace Boden, didn’t perish when he left “Chicago Fire”. However, his departure did stir some sad feelings. For six seasons, Boden served as Firehouse 51’s chief since the first season, and it seemed like this role would be eternal. But, in the finale of season 12, something unexpected happened: Boden took on a new role within the Chicago Fire Department as Deputy Commissioner.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve managed to rejoin the Chicago Fire family, thanks to my new role. Although it’s a relief to be back after my departure (in season 13, episode 18), the absence of Boden is still palpable in this NBC procedural drama. It’s a bit disconcerting not to see him around Firehouse 51 regularly anymore, as Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Dom Pascal has taken over. Adjusting to this change has been a challenge indeed.
7. Darren Ritter
Played By Daniel Kyri
The show Chicago Fire bid farewell to two characters following season 13, including Darren Ritter, a departure that many fans find hard to swallow. In the season 13 finale, Ritter’s character wasn’t given a proper goodbye, leaving his exit explanation for the season 14 premiere. This could potentially mean that his departure will occur off-screen, which would be a bitter pill to swallow. It seems that Ritter’s character has been overlooked on Chicago Fire, and his sudden departure due to budget constraints is disappointing and frustrating for fans.
6. Sam Carver
Played By Jake Lockett
In the upcoming season 13 of “Chicago Fire,” it’s Sam Carver who’s departing from the series. Although he’s only been with Firehouse 51 for a short while, his presence has left a significant mark on the show. Even in a brief time, Carver managed to make a lasting impression. His character brought a refreshing vibe, and unfortunately, right when things were starting to get interesting for him, NBC decided to write him off.
| Chicago Fire Season 13 Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Taylor Kinney | Kelly Severide |
| Miranda Rae Mayo | Stella Kidd |
| David Eigenberg | Christopher Herrmann |
| Christian Stolte | Randall “Mouch” McHolland |
| Joe Minoso | Joe Cruz |
| Daniel Kyri | Darren Ritter |
| Hanako Greensmith | Violet Mikami |
| Jocelyn Hudon | Lizzie Novak |
| Dermot Mulroney | Dom Pascal |
| Jake Lockett | Sam Carver |
| Michael Bradway | Jack Damon |
Carver’s relationship with Violet Mikami brought a sense of grand romance back to Chicago Fire, as their intriguing will-they/won’t-they dynamic and captivating chemistry made for an enjoyable viewing experience. Carver’s struggle with addiction recovery was also one of the standout elements of season 13. Unfortunately, it appears that Carver might be moving to Denver after the finale of Chicago Fire season 13 (despite a kiss shared between Carver and Violet at the end of the episode), causing disappointment among many viewers as he departs.
5. Erin Lindsay
Played By Sophia Bush
Transitioning past the multiple departures from “Chicago Fire,” Sophia Bush’s character Erin Lindsay leaving “Chicago PD” was another challenging goodbye for the “One Chicago” universe. Bush was a prominent figure within the franchise, and her character was greatly admired by fans. Despite her widespread appeal, the actress chose to part ways with the procedural series at the end of season 4, taking on a job at an FBI field office in New York. Sadly, Lindsay has not reappeared on “Chicago PD” since then.
4. Alvin Olinsky
Played By Elias Koteas
Unlike Sophia Bush’s character who parted ways with the show intact, Alvin Olinsky met a tragic end in the Chicago PD. He passed away at the conclusion of season 5 following a hit ordered by Carlos DeLeon while he was imprisoned. As a result, Andre Gomez inflicted fatal wounds on Olinsky. The aftermath left the Intelligence Unit and viewers alike reeling with shock and sorrow. The absence of Olinsky forever altered the dynamics within the Intelligence Unit.
3. Jay Halstead
Played By Jesse Lee Soffer
The announcement that Jesse Lee Soffer was departing from Chicago PD left the One Chicago fanbase completely bewildered. Much like other beloved characters, Jay Halstead was a cherished figure among viewers. Therefore, discovering that Soffer was leaving the NBC cop drama felt like a heavy blow to many fans.
It’s possible that we might see Jason Beghe reappear as Kevin Atwater (Halstead) on Chicago PD again in the coming seasons. His character left the series under circumstances where he decided to rejoin the army. Since then, viewers have been following his storyline as he pursued drug cartels in Bolivia and went through a divorce with Hailey Upton. With FBI: International getting canceled, there’s speculation that Halstead could potentially make a comeback in the upcoming season 13.
2. Hailey Upton
Played By Tracy Spiridakos
After Halstead departed, it seemed inevitable that Tracy Spiridakos’s character Hailey Upton would also leave Chicago PD soon, even though her role was significant to the show. The married couple of Halstead and Upton couldn’t stay together realistically, given that she remained in Chicago while he served overseas. Consequently, the writers split them up, and Upton departed the series at the conclusion of season 11.
Just like Halstead, Upton continues to live on within the world of One Chicago. Despite her departure from the Windy City in search of new opportunities, it’s possible that Halstead’s hypothetical return could lure Upton back to Chicago PD. However, it’s quite unlikely and we may have to accept that Upton’s emotional exit is permanent.
1. Connor Rhodes
Played By Colin Donnell
In the medical drama series, Chicago Med, while there haven’t been many deaths of main characters, the departures of some characters have been particularly distressing, with none more heart-wrenching than Dr. Connor Rhodes’ exit in season 5. Since the pilot episode, Colin Donnell’s character, Connor, had been a captivating presence in the show. Regrettably, his cardio-thoracic fellow chose to part ways with Gaffney Chicago Medical Center after the demise of his father and ex-girlfriend. Seeking a new beginning, he was certainly due for one. The departure of Connor left an indelible mark on the One Chicago series as well.
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2025-06-04 00:23