AceShowbiz - Grey's Anatomy has a reputation for delivering emotional and often heartbreaking moments, especially when it comes to the fate of its beloved characters. Since its debut, the medical drama set in Seattle's Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital has featured numerous character deaths that have left an indelible mark on fans. While some departures like those of Christina Yang and Addison Montgomery were bittersweet but hopeful, others such as Derek Shepherd, Lexie Grey, George O'Malley, and Mark Sloan ended in tragedy.

The 2025-2026 television season of Grey's Anatomy opened with another devastating loss when Dr. Monica Beltran died from internal bleeding following the explosive cliffhanger in season 21. Her death had a significant impact on the story, prompting Amelia Shepherd to take a sabbatical to grapple with the grief of losing her close friend and former romantic interest.

After keeping its core ensemble intact for much of season 23, Grey's Anatomy is now signaling a return to high-stakes drama and potential character fatalities, according to the newly released trailer for season 22, episode 17, shared by ABC via TVPromos. The preview hints at three near-fatal incidents involving key characters Nick, Maya, and Owen, as they each confront life-threatening situations.

In the trailer, Meredith Grey asks Dr. Miranda Bailey to look after Nick, who is battling for survival. Meanwhile, Maya is rushed to the hospital with severe injuries sustained during a call, marking a notable return and acknowledgment of Station 18’s ongoing operations despite the cancellation of its spinoff. However, the most dramatic scene features Owen Hunt trapped inside a vehicle submerged underwater following a bridge collapse, unconscious and fighting for his life.

Predicting which characters might ultimately perish is challenging given the show's history of unexpected twists. Maya’s storyline is particularly intriguing as it represents a rare direct connection to the now-defunct spinoff, while Nick’s condition raises questions due to his close relationship with Meredith. Additionally, Scott Speedman, who portrays Nick, currently stars in his own ABC series, RJ Decker, which could influence his possible departure from Grey's Anatomy.

Among these teases, the fate of Owen Hunt garners the most attention. Actor Kevin McKidd, who embodies Owen, is confirmed to be leaving the show after nearly two decades. Alongside Kim Raver, who plays Teddy Altman, McKidd is set to exit by the end of the current season. Fans had hoped for a happy ending following the rekindling of Owen and Teddy’s romance, but the trailer’s depiction of Owen’s perilous situation strongly suggests his death is a real possibility.

As Grey's Anatomy continues toward its eventual conclusion, the show is entering another mid-season hiatus, which will delay fans' ability to see the outcomes of these cliffhangers. This pause is part of ABC’s preparations for wrapping up one of network TV’s longest-running medical dramas.

Despite the suspense and speculation about who might be lost, the new trailer reaffirms the series’ commitment to its signature blend of medical emergencies and compelling character drama. The stakes remain high at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, where every day can bring life-changing consequences for doctors and patients alike.

For viewers invested in the journeys of Meredith Grey, Miranda Bailey, and the rest of the ensemble, the upcoming episodes promise intense moments and potentially significant reshaping of the cast landscape. As the story unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how the near-death experiences of Nick, Maya, and especially Owen will impact the future of Grey's Anatomy.

Subscribers to the Grey's Anatomy newsletter can expect detailed coverage of these developments, including character exits, plot twists, and production updates alongside broader insights into the network’s drama lineup.

Until the show returns from hiatus, the fate of these characters remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Grey's Anatomy continues to deliver powerful, emotional storytelling that keeps audiences engaged season after season.