Summary
ManyChicago PDcharacters have come and gone over the course of the show’s 11 seasons, but one death in season 2 still haunts me to this day (almost ten years after the episode aired).The writers of the NBC police procedural television series have never been afraid of killing off any of the show’s characters,as proven by Jules Willhite’s devastating murder during the pilot episode in January 2014. However, whileChicago PDhas featured several shocking deathsthroughout its 200-plus episodes, one sticks out among the rest, and they didn’t even die during an episode of theChicago Firespinoff.
The most recentChicago PDexit was Hailey Upton, played by Tracy Spiridakos, after the season 11 finale in May 2024. Spiridakos came in to replace Sophia Bush after the actress departed the series in season 4, so, Upton has been a part of the show for a long time. Of course,Upton leavingChicago PDwill change the Intelligence Unit in season 12. But given that she’s still alive and how she departed the series leaves the door open for a possible return,Upton’s exit won’t have the same impact as one character’s death did in season 2 and beyond.
Nadia Decotis' Death Was A Game-Changer For Chicago P.D.
Gregory Yates Murdered Nadia In Season 2
Nadia Decotis, played by Stella Maeve, was tragicallymurdered during aChicago PDandLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitcrossover,and her death remains one of the show’s most memorable and impactful moments. Starting inChicago PDseason 2, episode 20, the Intelligence Unit and the Special Victims Unit joined forces to catch a serial killer, later revealed to be Gregory Yates. By the episode’s end, Yates had abducted Nadia. The crossover continued inLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitseason 16, episode 20, when Yates traveled back to New York City, which is where they found Nadia’s body.
Nadia’s death in theChicago PDcrossover caused a ripple effect, meaning fans will never forget it.
Nadia was an underage sex worker and drug addict who Erin Lindsay arrested and later helped get clean. Once Nadia was sober, she secured a job as an administrative assistant for the Intelligence Unit and planned to become a police officer. Unfortunately, Yates stole her future away from her.Nadia’s death inChicago PDwas undoubtedly a turning point in the series,given that she was the first character who viewers (including myself) got to know and love before she died. Maeve’s exit from the show informed the audience that any character could be killed off at any time.
1 Chicago PD Star’s Best Future Was Already Set Up In The FBI Universe
One main cast member is set to exit Chicago PD following season 11, but given their connection to FBI, they can reprise their role in the CBS series.
It Was By Far The Best One Chicago/Law & Order Universe Crossover
Nadia’s Body Was Found In The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Episode
Towards the beginning ofChicago PD’s run, the show crossed over withLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitfour times. However, season 2’s crossover event featuring Nadia’s murder and Gregory Yates remains the best one as it was shocking and significantly impacted both shows.Lindsay never truly got over Nadia’s death(which one could say played a part in the character’s eventual exit from the series), and Yates continued to be a problem for Olivia Benson inSVU. Consequently, Nadia’s death intheChicago PDcrossovercaused a ripple effect, meaning fans will never forget it.
Chicago P.D.
Cast
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
