Content material Warning:
This text incorporates discussions/references to loss of life and suicide.
Chicago Fireplace has seen a number of exits over its 12 seasons, and most of the courageous firefighters of Firehouse 51 have died within the present. Though it’s good to see Chicago Fireplace continues to be fashionable over a decade after it first premiered, that long-running success has come at a value. Whereas many characters have come and gone, some won’t be able to have the chance to return, as they had been completely killed off the present. Some had been even killed off on the top of their recognition, proving that no Chicago Fireplace character is secure.
For years, the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 have struggled to navigate by their grief whereas nonetheless serving the folks of Chicago (with some by no means with the ability to get well from their loss). Whereas sure characters may seem secure, and a few have had the very best character exits on TV that don’t contain loss of life, there’s all the time a risk a fan-favorite character can drop at any minute. The variety of Chicago Fireplace deaths isn’t small, and with every subsequent season, it will get more durable and more durable to look at extra characters go.
Character Title |
Trigger Of Dying |
---|---|
Andy Darden |
Died Combating A Fireplace |
Hallie Thomas |
Murdered By Tim Campbell |
Vince Keeler |
Bennie Severide Killed Him |
Rebecca Jones |
Dying By Suicide |
Leslie Shay |
Died When A Beam Crushed Her |
Wallace Boden, Sr. |
Died Following Most cancers Battle |
Danny Borrelli |
Died From Falling Particles |
Anna Turner |
Died From Leukemia |
Benny Severide |
Died Following A Stroke |
Otis Zvonecek |
Died Combating A Mattress Retailer Fireplace |
Julie |
Died Throughout Childbirth |
Father Anthony |
Burned To Dying |
1 Andy Darden (Season 1, Episode 1)
Andy Died In The Line Of Responsibility Throughout A Fireplace
Andy Darden is the primary Chicago Fireplace loss of life and the very first character the present killed off. Andy’s loss of life got here whereas combating a fireplace, and it was the results of disobeying Lieutenant Matt Casey’s direct orders to fall again. This loss of life occurred earlier than the pilot’s title card, exhibiting how harmful the job is for all these firefighters on each mission. Andy actor Corey Sorenson was solely there for the pilot (returning in three episodes in flashbacks) and died earlier than viewers may get to know him.
Though Darden didn’t say a lot, he nonetheless profoundly impacted the present. His loss of life induced a big rift between Casey and Kelly Severide that continued by the primary season. His passing additionally units up the push-and-pull relationship between Casey and Severide, which turns into a real brotherhood as they overcome their grief collectively. Darden’s loss of life would ultimately create extra challenges for Casey when he chooses between serving to Darden’s two sons or staying in Chicago in season 10.
2 Hallie Thomas (Season 1, Episode 22)
Hallie Was Murdered By Tim Campbell
Although Hallie Thomas and Matt Casey had been engaged, they broke up within the first episode. Although they reconcile later within the season, Hallie finally ends up murdered after discovering the clinic she labored in is concerned in a corrupt drug ring. When Hallie and one of many different nurses discovered the reality concerning the corruption, a profession legal named Tim Campbell struck her behind the pinnacle after which set the clinic on fireplace. The firefighters of Firehouse 51 rushed to the clinic to place out the fireplace and located Hallie. She died on the hospital.
This loss of life is one other stepping stone in Matt Casey’s tragic love life. Nonetheless, whereas unhappy, the storyline was not less than the catalyst for a lot of future plots. Not solely did it permit the writers to discover extra of an emotional aspect to Casey, however Hallie’s loss of life sparked an investigation that launched the Intelligence Unit to the sequence and allowed the writers to arrange Chicago PD. Actress Teri Reeves’s exit from the sequence was merely a inventive choice for her character and the story.
3 Vince Keeler (Season 2, Episode 15)
Vince Was Murdered By Benny Severide
Vince Keeler will get concerned with the Severide household when he kidnaps Kelly’s sister in a revenge plot. Severide’s father additionally turns into concerned, despite the fact that the 2 have a strained relationship, and the daddy and son come collectively to save lots of their daughter/sister. Regardless of being estranged, Severide and his father put their previous apart for the household’s good. This act can be step one on their lengthy street to reconciliation. Finally, Keeler’s demise was one of many Chicago Fireplace deaths that wasn’t a tearjerker.
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Keeler is among the present’s most hated villains, and it was removed from the standard emotional loss of life that shortly turned a trademark of Chicago Fireplace. Keeler ended up arrested however was launched due to mysterious connections. Nonetheless, he disappeared, and whereas an investigation in opposition to Firehouse 51 began, Kelly’s dad admitted the homicide to Voight, who let him off whereas deciding to cowl up the homicide.
4 Rebecca Jones (Season 2, Episode 18)
Rebecca Died By Suicide
When Rebecca Jones arrives at Firehouse 51, she faces pushback from her father and the firehouse members. Rebecca discovers that her father is making an attempt to sabotage her and is making an attempt to place her in a desk job. Her dad, a senior within the CFD, believed that solely males ought to be firefighters and labored in opposition to his personal daughter. Nonetheless, since firefighting is all Rebecca needs to do, it weighs on her, and he or she takes her personal life.
Rebecca’s closest buddy, Gabriella Dawson, was hit particularly exhausting by the loss as she questioned whether or not turning into a firefighter can be the very best thought. Jones’s loss of life additionally confirmed viewers the struggles and pressures first responders expertise and the way it can have an effect on their psychological well being in the long term. As soon as once more, the exit had nothing to do with the actress (Daisy Betts), however the telling of a deeply private story.
5 Leslie Shay (Season 3, Episode 1)
Leslie Died When A Beam Fell Onto Her In A Fireplace
Leslie Shay is Gabby Dawson’s accomplice on Ambulance 61 and Kelly Severide’s finest buddy. Whereas responding to a fireplace, Shay and the remainder of Firehouse 51 are trapped when the roof collapses. It wasn’t till the season 3 premiere that the present revealed that Shay had joined the listing of Chicago Fireplace deaths, as she was killed after a beam struck her within the head. A serial arsonist, Trenton Lamont, was stalking Shay and set the fireplace that induced her loss of life.
Shay’s passing sends Kelly right into a downward spiral but additionally opens the door for Severide to start out working as an arson investigator. This Chicago Fireplace loss of life was the toughest to abdomen, provided that Shay was considered one of Chicago Fireplace‘s most likable characters. Shay’s loss of life was the author’s alternative so as to add drama. Government producer Matt Olmstead mentioned, “We gave everyone a day in court docket. We got here again to Shay as a result of it affected the most individuals” (through TV Line).
6 Wallace Boden Sr. (Season 3, Episode 15)
Wallace Boden Sr. Died Following A Battle With Most cancers
When Chief Boden and his father reconnected, Boden was devastated to search out out that his father had been identified with stage 4 most cancers. Contemplating that Boden was seen to be a pillar of assist for Firehouse 51 and all the time knew what to say or do when everybody was at a low level, it was heartbreaking to see how misplaced he was. All Boden needed was for his father to see his grandson develop up and for them to get pleasure from one another’s firm.
Actor Richard Roundtree, who performed Wallace Boden, Sr., died in 2023 at 81.
Boden didn’t get a lot time together with his father both, as he sadly handed away a few days into his go to. Performed by Richard Roundtree (the unique Shaft), viewers didn’t get an opportunity to know Boden Sr. He was solely on 4 episodes, launched within the eleventh episode of season 3, “Let Him Die,” and dying within the 14th episode.
7 Danny Borrelli (Season 4, Episode 22)
Danny Was Crushed Underneath Falling Particles
Danny Borrelli seems in Chicago Fireplace as Jimmy’s older brother, a candidate on Truck 81. Throughout a name, Danny is crushed beneath the particles of the constructing because it collapses, which causes Jimmy to change into somewhat reckless as he tries to get him out whereas particles falls round him. Chief Boden has to bodily pull him away from the scene, and the occasion results in Jimmy and the chief having a strained relationship.
There wasn’t sufficient time to attach with Danny, so it was one of many Chicago Fireplace deaths that wasn’t notably exhausting to look at, however Jimmy’s battle actually was. Whereas Danny solely made restricted appearances on the present, it was clear he was near his little brother when he did present up. The actual fact Danny had watched over his brother after their mom died made his particular loss of life more durable for Jimmy to take over the long run.
8 Anna Turner (Season 5, Episode 20)
Anna Died After A Leukemia Analysis
Anna and Severide are one other tragic TV couple separated by loss of life. The nurse sadly handed away after she had been identified with leukemia. Severide had initially met her in season 5 when he went to the hospital with a neck harm. He then realized he was a bone marrow match for Anna and donated it, which helped her considerably, however the most cancers returned. Severide spent her final days together with her on the hospital.
Though the storyline would inevitably have an sad ending, it was nonetheless heartbreaking to see the loss of life of the Chicago Fireplace character. Anna was likable, as her humorous character and sort angle meant everybody warmed as much as her. In contrast to Severide’s earlier love pursuits, she had no points with different characters, which was a refreshing change. Whereas Anna was solely in a number of episodes, it was robust to see her go, provided that she and Severide made a terrific couple.
9 Benny Severide (Season 7, Episode 6)
Benny Dies Following A Stroke
In season 7, Severide offers with one other loss in his life as he discovers that his father, Benny, died of a stroke. Benny was concerned in some controversy again in season 2 when he was chargeable for the homicide of Vin Keeler, who had kidnapped his daughter. Voight had him depart city till issues blew over, and he returned for one episode within the fourth season earlier than dying in season 7.
This leads Kelly to should cope with his unresolved emotions towards Benny after having shut down his emotions, which strains his relationship with everybody round him. Nonetheless, by their shared loss, Severide and the Chief not less than change into nearer, however Severide doesn’t absolutely cope with the impression of this loss till season 9 when he admits in “Humorous What Issues Remind Us” that he nonetheless thinks about his dad.
10 Brian “Otis” Zvonecek (Season 8, Episode 1)
Otis Died Whereas Combating A Mattress Manufacturing facility Fireplace
One of the impactful deaths within the sequence, Otis sacrificed himself to save lots of different members of Firehouse 51 throughout a mattress manufacturing facility fireplace. A boiler exploded whereas the unit fought the fireplace at Arnow Mattress, making a backdraft. Otis slammed a metal door shut to guard the opposite firefighters and remained alone to battle the fireplace. The crew rushed him to the hospital, the place he died from in depth accidents.
Earlier than he died, Otis mentioned, “Brother, I will probably be with you all the time,” to Joe Cruz.
As one of the emotional Chicago Fireplace deaths, the entire dynamic of the firehouse adjustments after this. The sudden departure of a beloved character was surprising and sudden, because it was so fast, and Otis had every part going for him up till that time. This loss of life was one other one which the writers put in to extend the drama, with sequence creator Derek Haas saying, “We gotta put some enamel again into the present, and we gotta present that the risks are actual” (through TV Line).
11 Julie (Season 8, Episode 18)
Julie Dies After Giving Start
In season 8, paramedic Sylvie Brett reconnects together with her beginning mom, Julie. Brett by no means knew her mom rising up, as she was given up for adoption when she was 16. Nonetheless, Julie needs to make up for it. She tells Brett she’s pregnant and needs her to be concerned in her sibling’s life. Sadly, it isn’t lengthy till issues take a flip for the more serious when Julie dies after giving beginning, leaving Sylvie to assist look after her new child sister, Amelia, with the newborn’s dad, Scott.
Sylvie’s connection together with her sister permits the paramedic to carry on to the items of Julie she by no means had earlier than. Julie’s loss of life additionally leaves Sylvie questioning what issues to her and makes her take an opportunity on her love for Matt Casey, which was the story arc’s silver lining.
12 Father Anthony (Season 10, Episode 6)
An Arsonist Murdered Father Anthony
Though not a serious character, Father Anthony’s loss of life in season 10 was horrific, as Severide had seen the person get overwhelmed and set on fireplace by an arsonist. This loss of life occurred after somebody set the church on fireplace after which got here again later to precise extra vengeance in opposition to Anthony. Since Father Anthony couldn’t establish the person as a result of in depth accidents placing him in an induced coma, this results in Severide reprising his place as an arson investigator and getting down to discover the serial arsonist.
This loss of life additionally considerably impacted the course of season 10
Father Anthony’s homicide was simply one of the violent Chicago Fireplace deaths, and it was exhausting to look at, not due to the emotional connection however merely due to how sinister it was. This loss of life additionally considerably impacted the course of season 10, because it pushed Severide more durable in his function as an arson investigator away from the crew and ultimately led to him deciding to cease messing round and marry Stella Kidd.
Characters Who Left The Present However Didn’t Die
Whereas character deaths are an enormous technique to introduce drama to the sequence, there may be additionally a manner for a personality’s departure to do the identical factor, albeit with an opportunity for the character to return down the road. The latest character who “left” didn’t depart however stepped again from his common forged duties to take a recurring function. This character was Eamonn Walker as Wallace Boden, who left his job because the chief to take the next place, shifting him away from a lot of the motion. Chicago Fireplace showrunner Andrea Newman mentioned:
”
Any change in his place on Fireplace goes to be like an earthquake coming by. The vibe on set for the finale was simply, maintain onto Eamonn as tight as you possibly can. Each minute with him is a present.”
Probably the most important character to go away Chicago Fireplace was Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett. Subsequent to Severide, Brett was an important forged member, so when she left the sequence in February 2024, it despatched shockwaves by the fanbase. Sylvie left the present to get married to Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer), and so they moved to Oregon. “I had plenty of time to course of Sylvie’s exit,” Killmer mentioned. “And so these final six episodes, and definitely the final episode, all felt like bonus to me.”
Together with Sylvie, Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey additionally left the sequence, though he initially departed in 2021. Alberto Rosende additionally left Chicago Fireplace as Blake Gallo in season 12, with the character shifting to Michigan to be nearer to relations. Different characters who left the hit present are Adriyan Rae as Gianna Mackey, Annie Ilonzeh as Emily Foster, Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson, Steven R. McQueen as Jimmy Borelli, Dora Madison Burge as Jessica Chilton, and Charlie Barnett as Peter Mills.