Patrick Dempsey's departure from Grey's Anatomy during season 11 was a significant moment for the show. Creator Shonda Rhimes explains that the decision to kill off Dempsey's character, Derek Shepherd, was necessary for the storyline. The character's death was heartbreaking for viewers who had become invested in his relationship with Meredith Grey. While there were rumors of on-set issues surrounding Dempsey's departure, he clarified that his decision to leave was personal and stemmed from wanting to spend more time with his family. Despite the past conflicts, Dempsey returned for several episodes in season 17.