In a highly unexpected twist, the popular character Dr. Derek Shepherd, also known as McDreamy, was killed in Thursday’s episode of ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ Such episode tremendously shocked fans as Patrick Dempsey had a two-year contract extension signed last year that would have kept him on the ABC drama until a 12th season.

However, the latest episode has just confirmed that Dempsey’s time on the show, which significantly boosted his career, has finally come to an end.

"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,'" executive producer Shonda Rhimes stated.

The series creator further shared how Dempsey’s performance strongly contributed to how the character of Derek was molded based on their expectations.

"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,” Rhimes explained.

After Derek’s character is cut off from the series, Rhimes also stated that Meredith, played by Ellen Pompeo, and the rest of the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ family will come across “uncharted territory” which they believe will bring on a new chapter in life, including endless possibilities.

As Ellis Grey would say, the carousel never stops turning,” Rhimes quoted.

Despite a surprising turn of events, Derek’s death may have been foreseen by some, given the hints that were dropped by both Rhimes and the network over the past few weeks. For instance, the series began to indicate such possibility of Derek missing a Washington meeting, which made his wife Meredith extremely worried.

In addition, several promos were shown following last week’s episode which gave the impression that Derek was involved in the fatal car wreck. After he offered to save the victims of a vehicular accident, the surgeon ended up being involved in his own car accident and was transported to a hospital that did not follow the correct procedures to save him.

Despite such terrible twist, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 11 continues to air and fans can look forward to the season finale on May 14.