9-1-1: Eddie’s Tragic Love Story With Shannon Diaz, Explained

In Season 2, 9-1-1 introduced one of its most popular characters. Eligible bachelor Edmundo “Eddie” Díaz (Ryan Guzman) arrived as a “probie” under the supervision of Captain Robert “Bobby” Nash (Peter Krause). His efforts to raise his son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh), as a single father form more than a few of his character arcs. They also raise the question of what happened to his ex, Christopher’s mother.

Shannon Díaz Tried to Rekindle Her Relationship With Eddie

As viewers learn in Season 3’s “Eddie Begins,” Eddie’s ex-wife and first girlfriend was Shannon (Devin Kelley). However, their rocky marriage was marred by near-constant resentment. Shortly after their son’s birth, Eddie was deployed to Afghanistan, leaving Shannon to raise Chris alone. While Shannon valiantly persisted, she was quick to leave once Eddie returned. Leaving only a note, she fled to Los Angeles to care for her ailing mother.

9-1-1: Lone Star may have ended, but this amazing procedural has set itself up for a big comeback.

Naturally, there are some ups and downs. Her demand to see Chris is met with understandable resistance. Eddie argues that her return is only setting their son up for future disappointment. Fortunately, she is eventually allowed to meet her son in a heartwarming Christmas Day reunion. For months, the once-fractured family lives in a state of Rockwellian scrapbook bliss.

Shannon Tragically Dies in a Car Accident in Season 2

Unfortunately, Shannon’s return doesn’t last long. Her earlier pregnancy turns out to be a false alarm. She admits to having “reevaluated” her life, and she requests a divorce. Eddie is left understandably distraught, but he agrees. The two split for a second — and seemingly final — time.

It's been a life-changing season for the characters of 9-1-1, including Eddie Diaz.

Shortly thereafter, Eddie is called to a terrible car crash. Upon arriving, he realizes the dying victim is none other than Shannon. Despite valiant efforts, his ex-wife dies in the ambulance, leaving Eddie to pick up the pieces. It’s an emotionally wrenching (and perhaps somewhat rushed) storyline that cements then-newcomer Ryan Guzman as a worthy member of the beloved 118. But, in true 9-1-1 fashion, that’s not the end of the story.

Five seasons after being (debatably) unceremoniously written off in a poorly timed car crash, “Shannon” returned to the show. Or, rather, Devin Kelley returned. In “Abandon Ships,” the chaotic opening to the show’s seventh season, Eddie passes by an upscale store. Inside, he sees a blonde woman, Kim, played by Kelley, who understandably shares many physical similarities with his ex-wife. Despite being in a relationship with Chris’s teacher, Marisol (Edy Ganem), he starts to woo Kim.

 

The two enter a relationship that culminates in some of 9-1-1’s most brilliantly awkward moments. There is not a single person — save, perhaps, Eddie — who is remotely comfortable with the strange arrangement. Everyone — again, save for Eddie — sees the uncanny resemblance between Kim and Shannon. When informed of what’s really happening, even Kim is shocked by the revelation.