Curious why Peter Krause’s Captain Bobby Nash had to leave 9-1-1 after eight seasons? Following a high-stakes rescue and emotional farewell, Bobby made the ultimate sacrifice during a deadly lab incident. As fans question the character’s fate and Peter Krause’s decision to leave, the show has revealed the reason behind the dramatic sendoff.
Here’s what led the show to kill off Bobby Nash and why Peter Krause had to leave.
Here’s why Peter Krause had to leave and Bobby Nash was killed in 9-1-1
Peter Krause exited 9-1-1 after showrunner Tim Minear made a creative decision to kill off his character, Captain Bobby Nash, in Season 8, Episode 15, “Lab Rats.” The creative team did not base the departure on personal reasons or external circumstances but instead used it to drive a major narrative shift that impacts every main character in the series.
In the episode, Nash contracts a hemorrhagic fever while rescuing his team from a lab fire. He notices a tear in his breathing tube but chooses to hide his exposure. After saving the lives of multiple team members—including performing emergency surgery and reviving a colleague—he sacrifices himself by staying behind to prevent further infection. His final moments include saying goodbye to Athena and kneeling in prayer as he succumbs to the virus.
Moments after the episode aired, Krause released a statement: “I will miss my partner, Angela Bassett… We parted ways too soon” (via Deadline). He also thanked the cast and crew, referring to them as his “beloved and unruly children of the 118.”
Showrunner Tim Minear confirmed in post-episode interviews that every main cast member asked him not to go through with the decision. Despite this, the storyline proceeded, aiming to reshape the show’s emotional core.
Although the show confirmed Nash’s death, it has hinted that Bobby will return in some form before Season 8 ends. Peter Krause will still appear in a later episode, confirming at least one more appearance remains.
