IN PHOTO: Actress Ellen Pompeo of 'Grey's Anatomy'
IN PHOTO: Actress Ellen Pompeo, of the series "Grey's Anatomy," arrives at the 2013 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, January 9, 2013. Reuters/Danny Moloshok

“Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11, episode 21 (“How To Save A Life”), aired April 23 on ABC. Derek Shepherd returns in this week’s new episode, marking yet another big MerDer change in the series. Creator Shonda Rhimes has spoken about the events in the new episode.

Spoiler alert: This update contains major “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11 spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Derek Shepherd dies in “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11, episode 21. Patrick Dempsey, who has played the role since Season 1, exited the ABC medical drama not long after Shonda Rhimes and team celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Derek is half of the MerDer (Meredith and Derek) fandom, which is very popular in social media sites. Spoilers on Derek's death populated Twitter as soon as it happened on ABC's premiere run of "Grey's Anatomy" Season 11 on April 23.

"Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character — for Meredith, for me and for the fans," Rhimes was quoted in a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter. “Patrick Dempsey’s performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example,” Rhimes added.

In an interview with TV Line, Dempsey expressed his appreciation for the fans’ collective reaction to this week’s new episode and the death of McDreamy. He said the “Grey’s Anatomy” fans are “devoted and passionate.” Dempsey’s departure follows the exit of another Season 1 original, Sandra Oh.

Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) left in the finale episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 10. In her farewell scene, Yang reminds Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) that “Derek is not the sun” and Meredith should take charge of her own life again.

Derek was conspicuously missing in the previous episode, which aired a week ago on ABC. This episode ends with the flashing lights of a patrol car reflecting on Meredith’s face. The next new episode, “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11, episode 22, is titled “She’s Leaving Home.” This airs on April 30.

ABC has released its own statement on the death of Derek Shepherd. The network acknowledged the MerDer fans and lauded both Patrick Dempsey and Shonda Rhimes for establishing an iconic character. ABC also wished Dempsey well in his next projects.

Let us know your thoughts on “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11. For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at a.paredes@ibtimes.com.au.

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