Some of you "Grey's Anatomy" fans might still be coping with the lost Patrick Dempsey's character Derek Shepherd - well let the grieving process begin.
During the show's recent episode, titled "How to Save a Life," Derek - after witnessing a car crash and playing hero to several victims until the fire truck and ambulance arrived - was involved in his own car accident. While driving away from the scene, Derek's car was broadsided by a truck.
He was taken to the hospital, which was not Grey Sloan Memorial, and later died because doctors failed to properly diagnose the extent of his injuries. During the episode, fans can hear the voice that's in Derek's head, warning viewers that he is possibly going to die.
Dempsey, who played Derek for the past 11 seasons, released a statement following the episode.
"It's been a remarkable ride," the actor told TVLine. "The worldwide impact has been extraordinary. It is incredible how devoted and passionate the fans are and I will forever be grateful and humbled by the experience."
Show creator Shonda Rhimes also released a lengthy statement (via PEOPLE) following the latest episode.
"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,'" Rhimes said in the statement. "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."
ABC Network also issued a statement regarding Dempsey's departure from the show.
"After 11 seasons on Grey's Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey is moving on to pursue other interests," the statement reads. "Dr. Derek Shepherd is an iconic character and we've been proud to be the home of 'McDreamy' and the 'Mer/Der' love story. The devotion of Grey's fans throughout the years has been a testament to the creative mind of Shonda Rhimes and Dempsey's talent. 'McDreamy' will be greatly missed and we wish Patrick the very best in his future endeavors."
