Shay was killed off in the ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 2 finale.
At the end of Season 2, Shays life hung in the balance during an explosion that was the result of a building collapse during a fire. Although Boden accounted for most of Firehouse 51 during the incident, Dawson and Shay were noticeably absent. It wasnt until the Season 3 premiere when it was revealed what happened to Dawson and Shay during the explosion.
As fans had feared at the time, Shay was dead. Dawson tried to revive her, but Shay was killed off. It was a fitting end for the fictional hero. But it also meant that Lauren left Chicago Fire with no hope of returning. Luckily, it doesnt seem to have been a result of an issue with the actress. Instead, it was a creative decision made for the sake of the shows storylines. Article continues below advertisement
Death of Leslie Shay
In reference to the episode: “Real Never Waits”.
Chief Bodens wedding ceremony is interrupted when Firehouse 51 is called to a building fire. Shay and Dawson follow Squad 3 into the building, where they find an injured man and begin administering care. Dawson tells Shay to take the lead during this case since she would have to be in charge after Dawson leaves, causing them to switch places. Right after they switch places, Dawson tells Shay about Caseys possible proposal. Shay admits knowing about it, and during this conversation, an explosion occurs in the building. A collapsing pipe fatally hits Shay on the head while Dawson gets blown back. When Severide arrives on scene, he sees Dawson doing chest compressions on Shay and leaps in to help. Despite their efforts, Shay ultimately dies.
It is later found out that the fire which caused Shays death was done by a serial arsonist who was stalking her, Trenton Lamont, who also set the fire that injured Wallace Boden and killed Ross Clayton McGowan and Henry Mills 20 years prior. The storyline in the episode “Real Never Waits” is followed by the Season 3 Episode 13 “Three Bells”, which is a crossover with Chicago P.D. Season 2 Episode 13. Lamont is later killed by Antonio Dawson during an attempt to kill Gabriela.
Shay, played by actress Lauren German, was introduced in the Chicago Fire pilot and was a steady presence throughout the first two seasons. She worked as a paramedic alongside Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund), whom she quickly grew close with. In the episode “A Nuisance Call”, however, Dawson pulls rank on an embarrassed Shay, and the pair decide to end their friendship.
It’s later discovered that the building fire was caused by Trenton Lamont (Robert Knepper), a serial arsonist who was also stalking Shay under the nose of the 51. Lamont was also responsible for the fire that claimed the lives of Ross McGowan and Henry Mill. He’s eventually killed by Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda) in the episode “Three Bells”.
Sadly, Shay’s quest for peace was cut short in tragic fashion. It’s been a long time since she graced the screen, so we thought it’d be a good time to refresh fans on Shay’s exit from the show and her ultimate fate.
She was also compelling in terms of her personal life. As someone with significant trust issues, we were always rooting for Shay to overcome her past experiences and find happiness.
Leslie Shay was a popular character during her tenure on Chicago Fire. She brought a unique energy to the 51 and gelled well with her fellow paramedics.
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