<P> In January 2014 , Dempsey signed a two - year contract to remain on Grey 's Anatomy ( then in its tenth season ) that would ensure his presence for potential 11th and 12th seasons . However , in April 2015 , Dempsey 's character was killed off while his contract was not over yet . Dempsey explained : `` it just sort of evolved . It 's just kind of happened . It really was something that was kind of surprising that unfolded , and it just naturally came to be . Which was pretty good . I like the way it has all played out . '' In August 2015 , Rhimes commented : </P>
<P> In January 2014 , Dempsey signed a two - year contract to remain on Grey 's Anatomy ( then in its tenth season ) that would ensure his presence for potential 11th and 12th seasons . However , in April 2015 , Dempsey 's character was killed off while his contract was not over yet . Dempsey explained : `` it just sort of evolved . It 's just kind of happened . It really was something that was kind of surprising that unfolded , and it just naturally came to be . Which was pretty good . I like the way it has all played out . '' In August 2015 , Rhimes commented : </P>
what season did derek shepherd die in grey 's anatomy
what season did derek shepherd die in grey 's anatomy
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