Who Dies on Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds, a popular American crime drama television series, has captivated audiences with its intense and suspenseful storylines over the years. As the show has progressed, fans have witnessed the investigation of numerous heinous crimes, and unfortunately, many characters have met their untimely demise. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Criminal Minds and explore who dies on the show.
Spoiler Alert!
Before we dive into the list of deceased characters, please note that this article contains spoilers for the entire series. If you’re not caught up with the show, proceed with caution!
Main Characters’ Fate
Let’s start with the main characters of the show. Detective Emily Prentiss (played by Paget Brewster) leaves the BAU team and is presumed dead in season 6. However, she returns in season 10, revealing that she had been working undercover and was forced to fake her own death.
SSA Aaron Hotchner, played by Thomas Gibson, is another main character whose fate is uncertain. After being shot by his son, Jack, in the season 11 finale, Hotchner’s condition is left unclear. Although his character is not explicitly confirmed dead, his storyline takes a dramatic turn, leaving fans wondering about his future.
Recurring and Supporting Characters’ Demise
Now, let’s look at the recurring and supporting characters who have met their demise on the show.
| Character | Season | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Clark | 1 | Shot by a sniper |
| Jennifer "Jen" Jenkins | 2 | Stabbed by a serial killer |
| Stephen Walker | 3 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Ashley Seaver | 4 | Electrocuted by a suspect |
| Kevin Dunnam | 5 | Shot by a sniper during a hostage situation |
| Morgan’s family | 5 | Killed by a serial killer |
| Dale "Hawk" Wolf | 6 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Penelope Garcia’s mother | 6 | Dies from a brain aneurysm |
| Kevin Lynch | 7 | Stabbed by a serial killer |
| Morgan’s brother, Will | 7 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Alex Blake | 8 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Jason Gideon’s mother | 8 | Dies from natural causes |
| Kate Callahan | 9 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Scott Behring | 9 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Dr. Al Rosen | 10 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Stephen Walker’s wife | 10 | Dies from natural causes |
| Alex Zeko | 11 | Dies from a heart attack after being tortured |
| Eugene Stark | 11 | Dies from natural causes |
| Killed by the "Cement Mixer" | 12 | Various characters die at the hands of a serial killer |
The Most Shocking Deaths
While many characters have died on the show, some deaths have left fans stunned and heartbroken. Here are a few of the most shocking:
- Brian (season 1): The BAU’s first victim, Brian is killed by a serial killer, leaving the team stunned and motivated to catch the perpetrator.
- Ashley Seaver (season 4): Her electrocution by a suspect is a turning point in the season, leaving fans devastated by her loss.
- Morgan’s family (season 5): The deaths of Morgan’s family at the hands of a serial killer are a pivotal moment in the show, emphasizing the personal stakes for the characters.
- Blake (season 8): Her death from a heart attack after being tortured is a shocking twist, leaving fans reeling.
- Kate Callahan (season 9): Her death from a heart attack after being tortured is another unexpected turn, highlighting the risks the team faces in their line of work.
Conclusion
Criminal Minds has dealt with the loss of numerous characters over the years, each death leaving a lasting impact on the show. From main characters to supporting ones, the series has explored the consequences of death and its effects on the team. As the show comes to a close, fans will continue to mourn the loss of beloved characters, but also celebrate the memories and legacies left behind.
