Derek’s death
Season 11, Episode 21: “How to Save a Life”
Earlier this season Grey’s Anatomy killed off beloved character, Dr. Derek Shepherd. Fans suspected the death after rumours hit the internet, but that didn’t make the episode any less tragic. After heroically saving four lives, Derek’s car was hit by an oncoming semi-truck, and he was taken to a local hospital. “You’re too late,” Derek narrated as the doctors try to save his life. After he is he was declared brain dead on the operating table, Meredith was forced to make the call to remove life support. Making things even more heartbreaking? A melancholy cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” courtesy of Chicago-based Sleeping at Last played during MerDer’s final moments together.
The plane crash
Season 8, Episode 24: “Flight”
In one of the most shocking Grey’s Anatomy finales, Derek, Meredith, Cristina, Mark, Lexie and Arizona find themselves stranded in the woods after their plane crashed en route to Boise to help with a complicated surgery involving conjoined twins. The emotional season eight finale saw Derek’s hand severely damaged and Arizona’s leg amputated… but, ultimately it was Lexie Grey whose injuries were the most severe. Little Grey died after sustaining serious injuries from being pinned down under part of the plane. The tears set the tone for the following season, which primarily dealt with the aftermath of the crash… and Mark’s death.
George dies
Season 5, Episode 24: “Now or Never”
The season finale of season five dealt with a patient listed as John Doe, who was being treated at Seattle Grace Hospital after being hit by a bus saving a life. It wasn’t until the final moments when the patient scratched “007″ into Meredith’s hand that she realized John Doe was actually George O’Malley, who had disappeared earlier in the episode to enlist in the army. Sadly, the season one “License to Kill” reference was too late and actor T.R. Knight left the show.
Shooter at Seattle Grace Mercy West
Season 6, Episode 23: “Sanctuary”
The season six finale saw Gary Clark, the husband of a patient who was taken off life support, rampage through the hospital (now named Seattle Grace Mercy West) with a gun. Clark’s mission — “an eye for an eye.” The traumatizing episode saw Alex, Owen and Derek take bullets. Mercy West residents Reed Adamson and Charles Percy were both shot and killed. The final tragedy? While tending to Owen’s injury, Meredith suffered a miscarriage just as she was starting to accept the idea of motherhood.
Denny’s death
Season 2, Episode 27: “Losing My Religion”
Denny Duquette’s death is ultimately Grey’s Anatomy‘s most memorable moment. After Izzie foolishly cut Denny’s LVAD wire to guarantee that he’d get his heart transplant (a cliffhanger moment of its own), the always charming character quietly passed away. The other interns find Izzie embracing his dead body, she breaks down, and Alex carries her away. The season closed with Izzie confessing to the Chief and telling him she quit. Of course, the signature scene was elegant and heart-breaking thanks to Snow Patrol’s memorable track, Chasing Cars, which became a bona fide hit after the episode aired.
The Grey’s Anatomy season 11 finale airs Thursday May 14, 2015.
