In January 2014, Dempsey signed a two - year contract to remain on Grey 's Anatomy (then in its tenth season) that would ensure his presence for potential 11th and 12th seasons. However, in April 2015, Dempsey 's character was killed off while his contract was not over yet. Dempsey explained: "it just sort of evolved. It 's just kind of happened. It really was something that was kind of surprising that unfolded, and it just naturally came to be. Which was pretty good. I like the way it has all played out. '' In August 2015, Rhimes commented:
what season did derek shepherd die in grey's anatomy
tenth