Chicago PD had the franchise's most tragic death of 2024 (and here's why)

One Chicago has dished out plenty of shocking deaths over the years. Fans are still talking about the harrowing and unpredictable ways in which beloved characters like Otis (Yuri Sardarov) and Al Olinsky (Elias Koteas) perished. The death toll rose in 2024.

While there have been some stellar episodes littered through all three One Chicago shows in the calendar year, and some notable cast exits, there's one character death that stands apart from the rest. It happened during the first episode of Chicago PD's season 12.

Chicago PD killed off Upton's replacement

Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) had just left the show in the episode prior, so the IU was in need of a new member. It seemed as though they had found one in form of Emily Martel (Victoria Cartegena). The character had the moxie and the good attitude needed to be an effective member of the IU. It seemed as though she would fit naturally into the role left behind by Upton.

Unfortunately, Martel couldn't make it a full episode. Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) was driving them back to the station when they heard gunshots ring out nearby. They detoured and arrived on the scene in the hopes of diffusing it.

Ruzek and Martel got out into the field, but when the former tried to check in on the latter, he got no response. He then looked back and saw Martel, shot and dead on the asphalt. It was an absolutely shocking moment, and one that occured so quickly that fans could scarcely believe it.

Chicago PD's writing team knew that fans would be leery of whoever comes in to take Upton's place. The fact that they gave us one, and then quickly snatched it away, goes to show how interesting and unpredictable things can get.

Adam Ruzek was shaken by Martel's sudden death

Patrick John Flueger told Parade that losing Martel will be a big loss for his character for the foreseeable future:

" We've never had that happen before on the show that I can remember. Ruzek’s lost people along the way, but not like this, not right in front of his face."

Chicago PD obviously found an equally stellar replacement for Upton in the form of Kiana Cook (Toya Turner), and she has lasted a lot longer than Martel. We can only hope that she sticks around and continues to bring a fresh and distinct energy to the IU team.