Fans of 9-1-1 were left stunned on Thursday night as Captain Bobby Nash, played by Peter Krause since the show’s debut, was killed off in a heartbreaking twist during Season 8, Episode 15.
The emotional episode, titled Lab Rats, wrapped up a two-part storyline involving a deadly viral outbreak. Bobby’s crew was trapped in a high-risk quarantine zone after a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever spread through a lab. When firefighter Chimney became critically ill, there was only one dose of antidote left — and Bobby made the ultimate choice.
It turns out Bobby had been exposed to the virus too, but hadn’t told anyone. His breathing gear had failed, and he knew his time was limited. Rather than save himself, he used the life-saving dose on Chimney, saying a final goodbye to his wife Athena through a glass window before collapsing.
Peter Krause spoke out after the episode aired, thanking fans and saying the storyline honored the risks first responders face every day. Showrunner Tim Minear confirmed the death is permanent, saying the idea had been in the works since Season 4. Bobby might return in flashbacks, but he’s gone for good.
The next episode of 9-1-1 will focus on the fallout from Bobby’s death, and how the team deals with losing their captain and anchor.
It was a bold move by the writers — and one that fans won’t forget anytime soon.