Chicago Fire's Biggest Death In Years Has A Major Silver Lining

Throughout Chicago Fire's 13-season run, the TV show has featured numerous tragic, unfortunate deaths, and while its most recent passing is quite sad, it also needed to happen. The NBC procedural drama has never shied away from killing off important characters, from Shay to Otis. It has been a long time since a death has significantly affected Chicago Fire and its characters, though, so the series was due for some heartbreak in season 13. While some viewers may have thought they would lose a firefighter or paramedic during the 2025 One Chicago crossover, the real tragedy comes four episodes later.

KaDee Strickland's Monica Pascal dies in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 15, "Too Close." Monica, Chief Dom Pascal's wife, is in a horrific car accident while on her way to her and her husband's anniversary dinner. Firehouse 51 responds to the call (without their chief, who is waiting for his wife at the restaurant), and they rush Monica to the hospital. Unfortunately, there's nothing anyone can do for her, and Pascal arrives at Gaffney just in time to hold Monica's hand when she dies in the Chicago Fire episode.

Pascal Deals With The Fallout Of Monica's Death In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 16

Monica Died In A Car Accident

Chicago Fire season 13, episode 16, "In the Rubble," opens shortly after Monica's death, and it's clear out of the gate that Pascal is (understandably) struggling. He tries to press charges against the man who caused the accident. However, given the nature of the crash, it's evident to everyone except Pascal that no one is to blame. It was simply an unforeseen tragedy that no one could have prevented. Pascal also acts recklessly at work by putting himself in danger while on a call and forces Firehouse 51 to help him investigate the crash to prove liability on the other driver's part.

No one but Severide could get through to Pascal in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 16. The lieutenant set his chief straight, making him understand how his actions are not only affecting himself but also the people around him. However, Severide can only do so much because, by the end of "In the Rubble," it's obvious that Pascal's self-destructive, reckless behavior isn't over.

Monica's Death Helps Solidify Pascal's Place In Firehouse 51

Pascal Replacing Boden Has Been Hard To Accept Until Now

Although Monica's death in Chicago Fire is beyond heartbreaking, especially while witnessing Pascal deep in his grief, her exit has a purpose. When Pascal arrived to replace Chief Boden at the beginning of season 13, it was difficult to accept him as the new boss (both for the characters and viewers), given his predecessor's long-standing importance to the show and to Firehouse 51. Even with Pascal having more than 15 episodes under his belt, his place in the NBC series never felt real until now.This tragedy has helped the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 accept Pascal as one of their own. The Chicago Fire season 13 characters have embraced him fully, as seen in episode 16 when they try their best to support their chief in the wake of his wife's death. Perhaps their acceptance of Pascal wouldn't have happened this quickly or ever if Monica hadn't died. Now, though, Pascal has solidified his spot in the Firehouse 51 family, whether he likes it or not. Consequently, the characters and fans can finally move on from Boden and understand that Pascal is here to stay.

How Monica's Tragedy Changes Pascal's Relationship With Firehouse 51

Dermot Mulroney's Character Is A Part Of The Family Now

Whereas the firefighters and paramedics accept Pascal as a part of their family after Monica dies in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 15, the chief now realizes why Firehouse 51 is so special. They are a tight-knit group who love and support one another. The characters consistently show up for each other in their times of need, just like when they attend Monica's funeral, even when they weren't invited. Firehouse 51's bond is like no other, and Chicago Fire's latest tragedy has only brought them closer together.