The Most Heartbreaking Character Exits on Grey's Anatomy, Ranked

The ex-Mercy Wester never quite became a major part of the main cast, but his actual departure ranks above those of more significant characters simply for the tragic, drawn-out way it happens. During the hospital shooting spree, Charles is shot by Gary Clark, but unlike Reed, he doesn't die right away. Instead, he and Bailey, along with their patient, work to try to staunch the bleeding and get him to an OR where Bailey can try to save his life. It's grueling work, and their efforts all turn out to be in vain when they get to the elevators and discover they're shut down because of the lockdown. Charles realizes what this means and slowly dies as Bailey and their patient Mary comfort him.