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

There is nothing outright "sad" about Cristina's departure, but it broke our hearts nonetheless. After realizing that she'll never be able to win a Harper Avery while working at an Avery-owned hospital, Cristina takes up an offer from her ex Burke to take over his cutting-edge institute in Switzerland. It's a massive career move and a happy future for ambitious, brilliant Cristina. Still, it doesn't make it any easier to watch as she says goodbye to her found family in Seattle, especially Meredith, who has lost so much and is now losing her "person," too. On the bright side, Cristina and Meredith are still close as we often see Meredith texting her after her exit.