In What Episode Does Deluca Die in Grey’s Anatomy?

Dr. Andrew Deluca started from a very obscure role but soon became one of the most beloved characters on Grey’s Anatomy. Maybe it had something to do with how much fans of the show loved his relationship with Dr. Meredith Grey or maybe it was because of his initial beef with Dr. Alex Karev. Whatever the reason, at the time of Dr. Deluca’s death in the 7th episode of the seventeenth season of the show, fans were truly sad to him go.

However, we were also consoled knowing he did not die the death of a mere mortal. He was stabbed and many seem to think he deserved a more creative death considering how long he lasted compared to other residents. But his death was also very meaningful because it led to the capture of a notorious human trafficker.

Does Deluca Die?

Dr. Andrew Deluca is one of the few major characters to die in Grey’s Anatomy. Given its nature as a medical drama, many supporting characters, including patients, have lost their lives, but it is a different ball game for the major characters.

Grey’s Anatomy does not make a habit of writing the departing major characters out through death but provides other reasons. In its first 17 Seasons, only five major characters died, and one of them is sadly Deluca.

When Does Deluca Die and in What Season?

Deluca died in Season 17, Episode 7 of Grey’s Anatomy, titled Helplessly Hoping. However, the events that eventually led to his death stretch back to Season 16, Episode 18 of the show.

This episode sees the introduction of a lady named Opal, who accompanies a young girl named Cindy to the hospital. Opal turns out to be a sex trafficker, and Cindy is one of her victims. Deluca is the physician who attends to them and correctly guesses what is going on. He tries to intervene, but his superiors tell him to focus on doing his job. Opal is able to get away with Cindy, whom she later dumps when she (Cindy) gets sicker.

How Did Deluca Die?

Deluca died after being stabbed by one of Opal’s thugs in Season 17, Episode 7 of Grey’s Anatomy. The notorious Opal made an appearance once more in Season 17, Episode 6 when a fellow trafficker named Bob is hospitalized after two of his victims set fire to his house while he was sleeping.

This time around, there is no doubt the criminal activity Bob and Opal are involved in, and once things start hitting up, Opal escapes the hospital premises. Deluca, however, spots her and gives a hot chase with his sister, Carina. He eventually gets close to Opal, but one of her accomplices stabs him, and his sister immediately calls emergency services.

In Season 17, Episode 7 of Grey’s Anatomy, Deluca is left battling for his life. His colleagues, Teddy and Owen, operate on him and do all that they can to save his life. He seems to be stable after his surgery and can even respond to inquiries. However, he later starts coding and is returned to the operating room once more. His colleagues try to save his life, but he gives up the ghost to the anguish of everyone.

Throughout the time that he is hospitalized, Deluca is shown in a vision hanging out on a beach with his former lover Meredith Grey. He expresses no regrets for going after Opal and says that he will do it again if given the chance. He tells Meredith that she made him want to be a better person. Deluca’s mom, who predeceased him, is later seen waving at him, and he leaves Meredith’s side and happily joins her.

Key Facts About DeLuca

Fact Detail
Full Name Andrew DeLuca
Portrayed By Giacomo Gianniotti
Profession Surgical Resident, Later Attending in General Surgery
First Appearance Season 11, Episode 24 (“You’re My Home”)
Personality Traits Compassionate, Determined, Passionate, Occasionally Impulsive
Key Relationships Romantic relationships with Meredith Grey and Sam Bello; complex relationship with his sister, Carina DeLuca
Mental Health Struggle DeLuca faced bipolar disorder, a storyline that highlighted his mental health challenges and struggles with diagnosis and acceptance
Major Story Arcs – Romantic relationship and break-up with Meredith
– Exposing human trafficking cases
– Battling mental health issues
– Sacrificing himself to save a victim
Final Episode Season 17, Episode 7 (“Helplessly Hoping”)
Cause of Departure DeLuca is stabbed while pursuing a human trafficker, succumbing to his injuries in a dramatic storyline that highlighted his bravery and dedication
Notable Achievements Known for his compassionate patient care, bravery, and persistent commitment to uncovering human trafficking
Impact on Fans DeLuca’s journey brought awareness to mental health issues and human trafficking, making his character both impactful and memorable for fans of the series

 

Why Did Deluca Leave Grey’s Anatomy?

While Deluca’s death was very dramatic and had fans wondering whether there was more to his departure than we were told, the creators of the show insist it was just an imaginative way of bringing the sex trafficker drama to an end. So in a layman’s terms, the producers wanted to tell the story of sex trafficking to impact society, but they also needed it to blend well into the story and leave a lasting impact on viewers. What better way to achieve this than with the death of the beloved Deluca?

After a long seven seasons, the actor who embodied the role of Ansdrew Deluca said he was very much ready to move on to other projects, hence there was very little drama about his exit except for how it was written into the story. What’s more, he came out looking like the hero which for the record….he was. Either way, letting him go was a tough choice for creators, producers, and fans alike.

Recommended

Featured Today

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness, if you've found a possible error, be it factual, editorial or something that needs updating, please contact us

Read This Next