[This story contains MAJOR spoilers for the April 17 episode of 911, ‘Lab Rats.’]

For the first time in eight seasons, 911 has killed off a member of its core cast.

In the ABC drama’s April 17 episode, titled “Lab Rats,” L.A. Fire Capt. Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) sacrifices his own life to save members of his crew. Bobby shares a final moment with his wife, LAPD Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash (Angela Bassett), before succumbing to a deadly virus he and his fellow firefighters had been trying to contain.

In a long statement about his departure from the show, Krause acknowledges that longtime viewers of the show may be “upset by this loss, and they have a right to be. It is a loss.” But he also defends the decision by co-creator and showrunner Tim Minear, who told The Hollywood Reporter that “It makes sense for his character to have a tragic sacrifice as a conclusion of his entire journey in the show. And also, if there’s a character whose death is going to affect the most characters, who would that be?”

Krause says in his statement, “It was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them.”

Krause also thanks his castmates, the show’s executive producers, crew and technical adviser, and the real-life first responders who do the work he has portrayed on 911 for the past eight seasons. His full statement is below.

I would like to thank Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear for entrusting me with such a complex character over these nine years. It has been my honor to portray Captain Bobby Nash. 

In October 2017, through him, we began tackling topics such as grief, guilt, anger and addiction while exploring his relationship with a higher power, forgiveness and grace. On his path of healing, we watched him join and embrace both his new family at the firehouse and his new family with Athena Grant where he found love and acceptance. We also had plenty of fun along the way. It was a joy.

Humbled by working in step with our technical advisor, Chief Mike Bowman, and real firefighters, I wish to thank you all for helping me bring a sense of dignity and realism to the character in our larger-than-life emergency landscape. Your kind and complimentary words have meant the world to me. 

I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss. That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them. We at 911 salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe.

Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters. We couldn’t do it without each other.

I wish to thank everyone in every department and all those at ABC, 20th Television and Fox. We are a sprawling team.

I will miss all my 911 family. Our incredible crew whose professional excellence is second to none. All the writers who keep pulling rabbits out of hats. All the directors tasked with the same. All the incredible guest cast over the years as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt and the cast in the call center.

I will miss my partner, Angela Bassett. Her strength and her sweetness, and us holding hands. We parted ways too soon. Much love.

Tim Minear and Brad Buecker, you’ve been my pillars and are two of the best in the business. I will miss you both.

Finally, I will miss my beloved and unruly children of the 118. Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Oliver Stark, Ryan Guzman and Anirudh Pisharody: this is a tough goodbye. Stay unruly, but be professional and get the job done. Misfit heroes need each other. That’s how we do it at our firehouse. Pass it along to the next new guy.

This has been one wild adventure. I thank you all, with all my heart.