After eight intense, heart-stopping, and deeply emotional seasons, 9-1-1 has said goodbye to one of its original and most beloved stars. Peter Krause, who’s been at the center of the action as Captain Bobby Nash since the very first episode, made his exit in the April 17th episode—and let’s just say, no one was ready.
Not only was Krause a leading man on the hit drama, but he also served as an executive producer. His exit marks the end of an era for the series, and fans are still reeling from the emotional farewell that played out on-screen.
In the latest episode, the stakes were already sky-high as the team worked to contain a deadly virus. After Buck and Athena helped stop the virus from spreading, there was still one final twist that no one saw coming—or wanted to believe. Bobby had kept himself quarantined from the rest of the 118 after realizing his breathing apparatus had a hole in it. The virus had entered his mask.
Rather than alert the team or risk anyone else’s safety, he made a devastating choice to stay quiet—so that Chimney could take the only available antidote. It was a selfless final act from a character who’s always put others before himself.
“You’re going to be OK, Buck,” Bobby told him. “Remember that. They’re going to need you. I love you, kid.”
Bobby then had one last heartbreaking moment with his wife, Athena (played by Angela Bassett), as they came to terms with what was happening. Through tears, Bobby tried to explain everything he felt but never wanted to say.
“I’m sorry,” he told her, his voice cracking. “This isn’t how I wanted to leave you. I’m not choosing to leave you. I chose to save my team because it was the right thing to do. It was never because I wanted to go. I don’t want to go. If I could choose, I would stay with you. Always.”
He continued:
“LA was supposed to be my penance, not my home,” Bobby said. “And then you said yes to a dinner invitation and I started to live again. I love you, baby.”
It’s the kind of goodbye that hits hard—not just because of the storyline, but because fans have followed Bobby’s journey since day one. He’s carried trauma, led with compassion, and become the emotional anchor of the 118. His character’s growth, resilience, and quiet strength have been central to the show’s heartbeat.
Though his death came as a shock to many, there had been rumblings. A few weeks ago, behind-the-scenes photos and videos surfaced online, sparking fan theories and speculation. The images showed what looked like a funeral procession, with Bobby’s firefighter coat draped over a truck and the rest of the cast dressed in all black. Angela Bassett was seen walking solemnly behind a fire engine—now we know, it wasn’t a drill.
While the official reason behind Krause’s departure hasn’t been publicly confirmed, the storytelling clearly gave him a meaningful and heroic send-off. And the fan response? Equal parts devastated and grateful for the character’s legacy.
Peter Krause’s portrayal of Bobby Nash has been a cornerstone of 9-1-1—a steady, soulful presence amid the chaos. And as painful as this goodbye was, it was also deeply in line with who Bobby was: a leader, a protector, and someone who always put others first.
As the show moves forward, it’s hard to imagine the 118 without him—but it’s safe to say Bobby Nash’s legacy will live on, both within the world of the series and in the hearts of longtime viewers.
After Bobby Nash’s death was confirmed, Peter shared a letter to fans about his time on 9-1-1. Read it in full right here:
I would like to thank Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear for entrusting me with such a complex character over these nine years. It has been my honor to portray Captain Bobby Nash.
In October 2017, through him, we began tackling topics such as grief, guilt, anger and addiction while exploring his relationship with a higher power, forgiveness and grace. On his path of healing, we watched him join and embrace both his new family at the firehouse and his new family with Athena Grant where he found love and acceptance. We also had plenty of fun along the way. It was a joy.
Humbled by working in step with our technical advisor, Chief Mike Bowman, and real firefighters, I wish to thank you all for helping me bring a sense of dignity and realism to the character in our larger-than-life emergency landscape. Your kind and complimentary words have meant the world to me.
I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss. That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them. We at 9-1-1 salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe.
Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters. We couldn’t do it without each other. I wish to thank everyone in every department and all those at ABC, 20th Television and Fox. We are a sprawling team.
I will miss all my 9-1-1 family. Our incredible crew whose professional excellence is second to none. All the writers who keep pulling rabbits out of hats. All the directors tasked with the same. All the incredible guest cast over the years as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt and the cast in the call center.
I will miss my partner, Angela Bassett. Her strength and her sweetness, and us holding hands. We parted ways too soon. Much love.
Tim Minear and Brad Buecker, you’ve been my pillars and are two of the best in the business. I will miss you both.
Finally, I will miss my beloved and unruly children of the 118. Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Oliver Stark, Ryan Guzman and Anirudh Pisharody: this is a tough goodbye. Stay unruly, but be professional and get the job done. Misfit heroes need each other. That’s how we do it at our firehouse. Pass it along to the next new guy.
