‘Blue Bloods’ Says Goodbye To….
Blue Bloods has had its share of emotional and heartbreaking moments, with several characters meeting tragic ends. Here are six of the saddest deaths from the show, whether due to planned murders or unpredictable losses:
1. Joe Reagan (Pre-Season)
Joe Reagan, the late son of Frank Reagan and brother to Danny, Jamie, and Erin, died in the line of duty as an NYPD officer before the events of the series. Although he never appeared on the show, his death had a profound impact on the Reagan family. His murder by corrupt cops involved in the Blue Templar conspiracy is often revisited in early seasons, and his memory looms large over the Reagan family dynamics.
2. Linda Reagan (Season 8)
Linda Reagan’s death shocked both the characters and fans. Played by Amy Carlson, Linda was killed in a helicopter crash while on the job as a nurse. The off-screen death was sudden and left Danny, her husband, grappling with immense grief. Her loss was not fully explored on screen, but its emotional aftermath significantly affected Danny and his ability to cope.
3. Vinny Cruz (Season 3)
Vinny Cruz was Jamie Reagan’s partner, a young and enthusiastic officer. His death in Season 3 during a routine call in the line of duty was sudden and heartbreaking. The loss hit Jamie particularly hard, as Vinny was not only a colleague but a friend. Vinny’s death illustrated the dangers police officers face daily.
4. Thomas Wilder (Season 6)
Thomas Wilder was a deranged serial killer who terrorized New York City and played psychological games with Danny Reagan. When Danny finally tracked him down, Wilder provoked Danny into shooting him. While his death was a relief in some ways, it was tragic because it brought out a darker side of Danny, who struggled with the morality of his actions afterward.
5. Frank’s Former Partner, Lenny Ross (Season 10)
Lenny Ross, Frank Reagan’s former partner, appeared in a few episodes before his tragic death. In Season 10, Lenny dies unexpectedly, which deeply affects Frank. Their bond went beyond the badge, and his passing left Frank reflecting on the passage of time and the loss of close friends.
6. Michael Lewis (Season 5)
Michael Lewis, an NYPD officer and close friend to Danny Reagan, was gunned down during a shootout. His death shook Danny and the department, as Michael had a reputation for being a devoted officer. Danny’s grief was palpable, showing just how much it hurts to lose someone close in the line of duty.
These losses brought a mix of heartbreak and realism to Blue Bloods, reminding viewers of the dangers of police work and the emotional toll on the characters.