Chicago Fire star makes shocking exit

Be warned: If you have not yet watched Tuesday’s episode of Chicago Fire, “A Real Wake-Up Call,” spoilers abound.

One of Chicago’s bravest has left the force. Steven R. McQueen made his shocking departure from Chicago Fire Tuesday night, EW has confirmed.

McQueen’s character, Jimmy Borelli, winds up badly burned — even losing an eye — after he makes a poor choice and attempts to save a woman as her car and another truck is about to burst into flames. Borelli survives but will surely need ample recovery time, as well as time in rehab.

EW can also confirm that the show has no plans to bring McQueen back at this time.

Thankfully, the character’s final moments on the series were touching ones of forgiveness. After falsely and formally accusing Chief Boden of making a call that ultimately killed Borelli’s older brother, Borelli and Boden concluded the episode sharing a quiet moment and holding hands.

Chicago Fire has continued to mix up its cast since the beginning, with the departures of original cast members Charlie Barnett and Lauren German. Dora Madison joined in season 3 and departed midway through season 4. Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays Stella Kidd, joined Firehouse 51 during the fourth season and was made a series regular for the current fifth season.

McQueen joined the series at the beginning of season 4 and previously starred on The Vampire Diaries, which kicks off its eighth and final season this week.

Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.