2025 was a big year for television, and there is so much we are still reeling from. Whether due to surprising break-ups, new romances, or tragedies, there was never a shortage of drama for fans to contend with. This was true for 911, which shocked fans this year with a surprising character death that we’re still reeling from.
For eight seasons, Peter Krause played the beloved Captain Robert “Bobby” Wade Nash, who had a tragic past involving the loss of his family and struggles with alcoholism. However, he grew to become a well-loved character both in the show and among fans.
His relationships with his fellow firefighters and his family were the heart of the sho,w and he truly seemed to hold the 118 together. So when behind-the-scenes footage leaked, appearing to show a funeral procession for his character, many fans were left stunned.
Season 8, episode 14 began a two-part Contagion event, in which Bobby became exposed to a deadly virus. He chose to keep it a secret, since there was only one antidote to the supervirus and he wanted to save the life of his friend and colleague, Howie “Chimney” Han (Kenny Choi), who had exposed and had more obvious symptoms.
The loss of Captain Bobby Nash on 911 is still making an impact months after the episode aired
Bobby eventually shared a heartbreaking goodbye with his wife Athena Grant (Angela Bassett), in a scene we still can’t think about without wanting to cry. His death was a blow to everyone, with fans still expressing hope that he will return on social media. Even now, with Season 9 currently on air, although it is on winter hiatus, you can still find messages from fans online requesting Bobby’s return.
However, based on an interview Krause did right after Season 8, episode 15 aired with Good Morning America, it does seem like this is the last we will see of Bobby. At least it might be unless he appears as a ghost, which is always a possibility since we have seen actress Devin Kelly come back despite her character, Shannon Diaz, being deceased.
Even though Bobby is gone, Season 9 has made sure to keep his memory alive, from a memorial plaque featured on the wall of the 118 fire station to Bobby’s pseudo son and fellow firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark) still trying to recreate his cooking recipes. It still doesn’t take away the devastation of Bobby’s loss, which is still felt around the world and onscreen.
There is certainly a void left where Bobby used to be in the show and while it is difficult to watch without him, it’s touching to see how his character is given respect still after death. We hope that 911 will continue to respect Bobby’s legacy while helping the characters move forward as they forge ahead despite the loss. Still, it was an incredible blow, and this is why this particular exit was so difficult to comprehend in 2025.
911 airs Thursdays on ABC at 8/7c and will be back with new episodes beginning on Jan. 8, 2026.