Dr. Derek Shepherd, portrayed by Partick Dempsey, dies in Episode 11 of Season 21, titled, “How to Save a Life?”. The episode was broadcast on ABC on April 23, 2015. Showrunner Shonda Rhimes wrote the episode, while Rob Hardy directed it. This was Rhimes' first time writing for the show since the "Flight" Season 8 finale.
In the episode, after intervening to help victims of a car disaster, Derek gets caught up in a deadly accident. Even though he was capable of saving the accident victims, the hospital's surgeons ultimately declared him brain dead since he did not receive a timely CT scan.
Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama that centers on the personal and professional lives of attendings, residents, and surgical interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which was subsequently renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. ABC debuted the series as a mid-season replacement on March 27, 2005.
Episode synopsis of Derek’s death in Grey’s Anatomy
A voice-over narration by Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) begins the episode, discussing the unpredictable nature of memory and how life's constant motion is like a never-ending carousel.
The episode begins with a flashback showing Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) wandering in a park at the age of five, signifying her ongoing fear of being abandoned. Derek Shepherd, played by Patrick Dempsey, is currently on his route to Washington, D.C., to step down from the President's brain mapping project.
He observes a car crash on the road and instinctively stops to help the injured. Shepherd quickly assists a mother, who has a dislocated limb and saves her child named Winnie (Savannah Paige Rae). He also rescues another couple from the collision with Winnie's help.
Shepherd gets ready to leave once paramedics come and take the victims to the hospital. But as he climbs back into his vehicle, a semi-truck crashes into his car, severely injuring him. After being taken to a nearby hospital, he is unable to speak or interact with anyone as the medical staff examines him.
Shepherd's attending physician rejects the recommendation from surgical resident Dr. Penelope Blake (Samantha Sloyan), even though Shepherd understands internally that they must conduct a head CT scan. Shepherd knows he is beyond repair by the time the physicians notice a blown pupil and understand the extent of his injuries. Shepherd is pronounced brain dead after the neurosurgeon shows up too late.
After being informed by the police, Meredith goes to the hospital and learns about Derek's condition. To Blake's dismay, she asks right away why a head CT scan wasn't done. Meredith must make the painful decision to sign the paperwork to remove Derek from life support after speaking with the attending physician.
Dr. Blake sincerely apologizes for her part in the event and is forgiven by Meredith before she bids her final farewell. An emotional montage of their relationship's prime is shown as the episode closes with Meredith returning to Derek's room to bid him farewell.
How does McDreamy die in Grey’s Anatomy?
Dr. Derek Shepherd, nicknamed McDreamy, portrayed by Partick Dempsey, dies in Episode 11 of Season 21, titled, “How to Save a Life?”. After intervening to help victims of a car disaster, Derek gets caught up in a deadly accident. Even though he was capable of saving the accident victims, the hospital's surgeons ultimately declared him brain dead since he did not receive a timely CT scan.
Related: Is Grey's Anatomy over
Why was Patrick Dempsey killed off in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?
According to former "Grey's" executive producer James D. Parriott's "The Inside Story of Grey's Anatomy," things had boiled over in season 11 before Dempsey's Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd passed away in a tragic turn of events for viewers.
"There were HR issues," Parriott states in the book. "There was nothing sexual about it. The set was being terrorized by (Dempsey). He caused various forms of PTSD in some of the cast members. He realized that by controlling the set, he could frighten people and stall production."
FAQs about Derek’s death in Grey’s Anatomy
Yes, Meredith was pregnant with Ellis at the time of Derek’s death. Ellis is the second biological child of Meredith and Derek and their third child overall.
Derek’s car was hit by a semi-truck which caused severe external and internal injuries. He was declared brain dead after the physicians failed to get a head CT on time.
Dr. Derek Shepherd, portrayed by Partick Dempsey, dies in Episode 11 of Season 21, titled, “How to Save a Life?”.
