The Tragic Fall of Alvin “Al” Olinsky on Chicago P.D.: What Really Happened

Alvin “Al” Olinsky wasn’t just another cop in Chicago P.D. — he was the heart of Intelligence, a loyal friend to Voight, and a fan-favorite who met one of the show’s most devastating ends. Years later, fans are still asking: Why did it have to happen this way?

Olinsky, portrayed by Elias Koteas, was a tough, old-school detective known for his loyalty, grit, and quiet wisdom. He stood by Hank Voight through thick and thin — even when the lines between right and wrong blurred. But in Season 5, his loyalty ultimately led to his downfall.

💥 The Shocking Exit

Al was arrested for a murder that Voight committed — a setup orchestrated by a political enemy trying to destroy the Intelligence Unit. Despite Voight’s efforts to clear his name, Al was stabbed in jail before he could be exonerated. He died in the hospital with Voight at his side, in a moment that left both characters — and viewers — shattered.

“You’re my best friend,” Voight whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

🎬 Why Was Al Written Off?

Behind the scenes, Elias Koteas’s exit came as a creative decision by the showrunners to shake up the series and raise the stakes. But fans weren’t ready — many felt blindsided and even betrayed.

Social media erupted with backlash:

“You don’t kill off Al. You just don’t.”
“He was the moral compass. That death was too cruel.”

 

Years later, his loss still echoes. Voight’s arc became darker, Intelligence lost its soul, and fans still hold hope for flashbacks or closure.

Olinsky’s death wasn’t just a plot twist — it was a turning point. And for many, Chicago P.D. was never the same.