Is Chicago Fire About to Lose a Fan-Favorite? New Clues Suggest a Major Death Is Coming
Chicago Fire may have just rocked viewers with the shocking death of Monica Pascal (played by KaDee Strickland), but the emotional turmoil may be far from over. The next episode, ominously titled “Post Mortem,” is shaping up to deliver another devastating blow—this time possibly involving a longtime fan-favorite character.
The episode has been heavily promoted around the return of Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who stepped down from his chief position at Firehouse 51 in the season 12 finale. While Boden’s reappearance is a major event in itself, a recent interview with Walker suggests that something far more serious is at stake—and fans should brace for impact.
Eamonn Walker Drops a Cryptic Clue
In a recent conversation with Deadline, Walker teased that a beloved character would be in serious danger during “Post Mortem.” While he declined to reveal any names, his wording has sparked intense speculation.
“Yeah, I can’t tell you,” he said when asked directly. “Nice try, though. It’s somebody you know and love… You might even freak out.”
Walker’s phrasing strongly suggests that the stakes are sky-high, and that this character’s fate could send shockwaves through the firehouse—and the fandom.
All Signs Point to Herrmann
While the actor remained tight-lipped, recent promotional images from the episode offer additional hints. Among them is a tense action shot of Christopher Herrmann (played by David Eigenberg), seemingly caught in the middle of a dangerous building fire. The photo stands out not just for its intensity, but because of how prominently it’s featured in NBC’s rollout.
Deadline even commented on the image, noting that it “may reveal the firefighter left behind.” That phrase alone has sparked concern among fans, and rightfully so—Herrmann has been part of Chicago Fire since day one, serving as a moral compass and emotional anchor for the entire crew.
He’s more than just a veteran firefighter. Herrmann was in the running to replace Boden as chief and has long been portrayed as a figure of quiet strength within Firehouse 51. His potential injury—or worse, death—would not only devastate viewers, but would also hit Boden hard, as the two characters share a deep and decades-long friendship.
What Boden’s Return Might Mean
Walker’s comments about Boden’s motivation are especially telling. The actor hinted that his character returns to 51 not just out of duty, but because of a crisis that cuts to the heart of the firehouse’s future.
“The immediacy of somebody possibly dying is what takes precedent,” Walker said. “Whatever relationships, politics, or promotions going on before, this situation right now could change all of that for everyone—none of that matters.”
This statement seems to point to Herrmann, whose failed promotion and deep involvement in firehouse politics have been key storylines this season. If he ends up injured or worse, it could unravel everything and bring the entire team’s priorities into sharp focus.
NBC’s History of Misdirection
To be fair, NBC has a history of playing with fan expectations. The network is notorious for crafting misleading promos that build suspense or intentionally misdirect audiences. However, this time the combination of Walker’s quotes, promo imagery, and the high-stakes episode title all point to something major—and potentially heartbreaking.
Herrmann is not just another firefighter. He’s family to 51, and losing him would mark one of the most emotionally significant exits the show has ever delivered.
Whether this is NBC setting us up for a surprise twist or laying the groundwork for a permanent goodbye, one thing’s for sure: Chicago Fire is not done pulling at our heartstrings.
We’ll find out soon enough if “Post Mortem” lives up to its chilling title.
