 After he had been on the show for one season , Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje felt uncomfortable living in Hawaii and wanted to return to his residence in London , England . He discussed Mr. Eko 's departure with Lindelof and Cuse , and the three decided the character would die somewhere in the first six episodes of the third season . They also found a " shocking and emotional death " would be the best way to write the character off the show . Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje felt Eko 's death in " The Cost of Living " made the character " complete " , commenting : " The Cost of Living " was " such a well @-@ written episode that I knew I would be able to sew him up in a season " , although Cuse later said he would have preferred the character to remain on the show a little longer . In 2008 , Cuse and Lindelof made hints there were possibilities of the character 's returning . However , despite Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje 's wishes to return for the sixth season , the producers stated he would not be returning . The actor was eventually offered a guest role in the series finale , but turned it down due to salary disagreements . 
