The Anatomy of Dr. McDreamy's 'Grey's' Exit and What Patrick Dempsey Is Doing Now

“Grey's Anatomy” fans are still in shock after the show killed off McDreamy on Thursday night's episode.

Ten million fans watched as Dr. Derek Shepherd's (Patrick Dempsey) car was hit by a truck just minutes after he finished helping victims of another accident. He was transported to a hospital, but died due to substandard doctoring.

While the episode left fans dismayed, Dempsey told Entertainment Weekly it was a “natural progression with the way the story was unfolding” and “obviously the right time.”

He added, “I think it will be very shocking, the way it happens. It's really going to be powerful. But life is like that. I think any time an original cast member has left, there's always a void that will never be filled. Shepherd is a beloved character. People don't want to lose him. He's been in their lives for over 10 years. But it goes on, and it will evolve.”

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes also released a statement following Derek's death. She said, “Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character — for Meredith, for me and for the fans. I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our 'McDreamy.' Patrick Dempsey's performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example — happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true — of what young women should demand from modern love. His loss will be felt by all. Now, Meredith and the entire 'Grey's Anatomy' family are about to enter uncharted territory as we head into this new chapter of her life. The possibilities for what may come are endless. As Ellis Grey would say: the carousel never stops turning.”

What's next for Dempsey after 11 seasons on “Grey's”? He told the mag he wants to try something different.