WARNING: This story contains spoilers about the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy, which featured a huge moment. Read with caution.
Grey's Anatomy is famous for killing off characters, but Thursday's episode featured the biggest departure the series will likely ever see.
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As shown in the promos, the episode, titled "How To Save a Life," followed Derek (Patrick Dempsey) as he scrambled to save people who were involved in a horrible car accident. What was not hinted prior to the episode was that Derek would be involved in an accident of his own soon after treating his impromptu patients.
Being hit by a semi-truck -- and the lack of proper treatment at the hospital to which he was dispatched -- ultimately claimed his life.
News of Dempsey's departure leaked earlier Thursday after a copy of Entertainment Weekly's latest issue, which contained an interview with the star, was accidentally sent to subscribers early.
@entertainmentweekly how are you going to put that little, tiny, microscopic spoiler alert warning next to a full page picture of the smokin' hot @patrickdempsey and expect people to notice it!?! You literally just RUINED one of the most important moments of @greysabc in the history of the show!! I'm so FURIOUS right now that if I was also fast I'd be filming with Vin Diesel for the 8th installment. I'm seriously considering canceling my subscription. Is that an overreaction? @shondarhimes Am I right? A photo posted by Paige (@pml122689) on Apr 23, 2015 at 11:32am PDT
After the episode, fans were devastated to say the least.
How could they do that?!? #GreysAnatomy #DerekShepherd #crying— Rachel lynn (@Rachel_FSUPH) April 24, 2015
Derek shepherd just died and my heart is in pieces. #GreysAnatomy— Brie Kidd (@BrieKidd) April 24, 2015
WHAT THE HELL @PatrickDempsey— Jasmine Arellano (@jasssarellano) April 24, 2015
According to ABC, Dempsey, who was contracted through next season, is moving on "to pursue other interests."
Creator Shonda Rhimes added in a statement:
"Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character -- for Meredith, for me and for the fans. I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our ‘McDreamy.’ Patrick Dempsey’s performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example -- happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true -- of what young women should demand from modern love. His loss will be felt by all. Now, Meredith and the entire Grey’s Anatomy family are about to enter uncharted territory as we head into this new chapter of her life. The possibilities for what may come are endless. As Ellis Grey would say: the carousel never stops turning."
Next week's Grey's Anatomy will be a two-hour episode that deals with the aftermath.
Previous major deaths on the show include those of T.R. Knight (George), Eric Dane (Mark), and Chyler Leigh (Lexie).
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BONUS: Derek's best moments