In Season 5 of “Chicago P.D.,” fans were left heartbroken by the tragic death of Al Olinsky (Elias Koteas), who was wrongfully convicted and subsequently killed in prison.

Co-star Marina Squerciati, who played Kim Burgess, expressed her deep sadness over the loss of Olinsky’s character and Koteas’ exit from the series.

Squerciati shared her emotional reaction, saying, “He was an incredibly loving beacon on our show, and I miss that.”

The producers informed the cast of the plot twist at home before they went on set, allowing them to prepare for the emotional impact of losing a beloved character and colleague.

Showrunner Rick Eid explained that Olinsky’s tragic plotline was intentionally crafted to create the most dramatic effect.

The entire cast of “Chicago P.D.” struggled with the emotional impact of the departure of Koteas, highlighting the show’s close-knit bond.