There are TV deaths, and then there’s this. 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 15, ominously titled “Lab Rats,” dealt a gut-wrenching blow with what appears to be Bobby Nash’s death. Played by Peter Krause since the show began, Bobby has been the heart of the 118 for eight seasons.
But in this emotionally shattering episode, Bobby suffers what looks like mass organ failure—right after saying a tearful goodbye to Athena and telling Buck, “You’re gonna be okay.”
If you’re still in denial, you’re not alone. The entire fandom is grieving in real-time, with reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to tearful anger, and even a few hopeful theories about Bobby’s fate.
But one thing is clear: “Lab Rats” isn’t just another episode. It’s a farewell letter, a love story, and a ticking clock wrapped in one unforgettable hour. As we have long said, 9-1-1 is about a chosen family, and Bobby was at its core.
Shocked 9-1-1 fans can’t believe Bobby Nash is gone
The immediate aftermath on X (formerly Twitter) was pure chaos, with fans reeling from the visual of Bobby dying in front of Athena. “911twt rn seconds after watching Bobby Nash experience mass organ failure and die with literal witnesses,” wrote @jxmietxrtt, summing up the fandom’s disbelief.
@HER_PERS0NA added, “I know #911onABC got renewed for another season but they can keep that… what’s 911 without Bobby Nash??” Meanwhile, @zukorene demanded, “TIM MINEAR YOU EITHER BRING BACK BOBBY NASH FROM THE DEAD OR YOUR SHOW FACES THE BIGGEST VIEWING DROP EVER IN NETWORK TV.”
Fans who’ve followed Bobby since day one weren’t ready. As @heenonies put it bluntly, “Bobby Nash is fr dead Peter Krause leaving 911.”
Theories, tears, and the hope for resurrection
Some fans, however, aren’t accepting this fate—yet. “Choosing to believe that 911 using Work Song in that scene means Bobby Nash alive! Bobby Nash well!” posted @darlingsluv, referencing the soundtrack choice that fans recall from other major episodes like “Chimney Begins.”
The music, the slow fade, the dialogue—it all feels poetic. But could it be symbolic instead of literal?
Others mourned Bobby’s potential end with deep emotion. “This is going to be the same ending when Tony Stark dying killed the MCU. Bobby Nash dying killed 911,” tweeted @AFT3RGLOWBUCK.
Even as some acknowledged the sacrifice made some narrative sense, there’s an overwhelming sentiment that this is not the end fans wanted for their captain.
“Oh, so you want me dead too?” wrote @jjpopesbsf.
As 9-1-1 goes on a one-week hiatus, we’re left to sit with our heartbreak, reflect on Bobby’s legacy, and ask the impossible: Is this the end? Could 9-1-1 continue without Peter Krause? Or (dare we believe) is there still a final twist left to play?
Either way, the 118 won’t be the same without him. And neither will we.
What do you think, can 9-1-1 survive Bobby Nash’s death?
Check out our Tales From the 118 podcast if you also want to listen to our reviews. On Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Plus, if you want to leave your own rating/comment about the show, you can do so in our 9-1-1 hub!
9-1-1 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC.
