Shocking Exit: What Really Happened to Will in Criminal Minds?

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The enduring appeal of “ ” demonstrates the show’s remarkable ability to captivate audiences, even after a two-year break. Unlike many other shows that might struggle during such an extended hiatus, this cherished former CBS mainstay quickly found its footing on Paramount+. Now operating under “Criminal Minds: Evolution“, the crime drama has effortlessly regained its momentum. It’s no wonder then, that the show has also introduced some fresh characters to its cast.

Enthusiasts of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” were thrilled to see Matthew Gray Gubler reappear as a beloved character, boosting the series’ nostalgia appeal and attracting back old viewers. However, one returning cast member’s tenure on the show has been unexpectedly brief. Much like Reid, William LaMontagne Jr., portrayed by Josh Stewart, has been a constant presence. Though he wasn’t a primary character, his influence was always noticeable. When Paramount+ brought back the series, his return felt fitting. Regrettably, his time on the show came to an abrupt halt during Season 3 of the revival.

Who Is Detective William LaMontagne Jr. in Criminal Minds?

  • Despite his long tenure on Criminal Minds, actor Josh Stewart has the most credits in Season 1 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, during which he appears in nine episodes.
  • Will’s character was a surprise success. Initially, he was not set to return after his appearance in “Jones.” His return was also spurred by actress A. J. Cook’s pregnancy.

In the world of “Criminal Minds”, Will initially has a casual romance. In the episode titled “Jones”, he asks the BAU for help in his prolonged probe of Sarah Danlin (Simone Kessell). As one might anticipate, the skilled team catches their suspect. However, during this chase, Will develops a romantic relationship with someone. This heaven-sent pairing soon evolves into a captivating love story. It only takes a year within the series (or roughly less than an entire season of “Criminal Minds” for viewers) for this charming couple to anticipate their first child, Henry.

Four years down the line, as a movie enthusiast, I find myself beaming with joy recalling the fairytale wedding of JJ and Will. The duo expands their family by welcoming their second child, Michael, in Season 10. Now, it’s important to clarify that Will isn’t the central figure on this show. He spends much of his time in the background. However, he does manage to make an impact with his key case resolution and a few other arrests. But let’s face it, he’s mostly a supporting character, gracing our screens only eleven times across the eight seasons following his marriage to JJ. Yet, even these brief moments of their sweet romance have always been cherished by fans like me, offering a delightful taste of their love story.

When & How Does Will Die in Criminal Minds?

  • Beyond his television work, Josh Stewart is a frequent collaborator with Christopher Nolan. He has appeared in four of the esteemed director’s films: The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar, Tenet, and The Odyssey.
  • Fittingly, Josh Stewart got his “big break” as Officer Brendan Finney in NBC’s Third Watch. Like Criminal Minds, the show was a crime-fighting procedural, although it didn’t have anywhere near as much longevity.

Regrettably, despite a promising debut in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” Will’s role diminished once more. In the second season of the revival, he was only featured in one episode. His last involvement with the show lasted only two episodes, titled “The Zookeeper” and “Time to Say Goodbye.” Interestingly, neither of these appearances were given credit, and his final scene on “Criminal Minds” consisted of just a brief appearance.

Following a heartbreaking and swift conclusion after almost fifteen consecutive years on “Criminal Minds”, Josh Stewart’s character, Will, met an untimely end. In the episode titled “The Zookeeper”, Will suffered a collapse in his kitchen, which was witnessed by JJ. Heartbroken, she then relayed the tragic news to the BAU team. It was later discovered that Will had passed away due to a rare thyroid aneurysm. This unexpected demise turned out to be an unusually quiet exit for a character on “Criminal Minds”.

It’s hardly shocking that this unusual twist has left some viewers puzzled. Some spectators have even fretted that the writers might be planning to push JJ and Reid into a romantic relationship. Others are questioning why they didn’t simply script him on an extended break instead. Given his minimal involvement in the series, it seems unnecessary.

Why Did Josh Stewart Leave Criminal Minds?

  • Stewart made his directorial debut with 2013’s The Hunted, a found footage thriller film about a team’s efforts to create a successful hunting show. Unlike his performance in Criminal Minds, the film received mixed reviews.
  • There aren’t many canonical details about Will’s life before his involvement with the BAU team. However, his father is known to have died while investigating a serial killer during Hurricane Katrina.

From my perspective as a dedicated viewer, the turn of events surrounding Will’s character has left an unusual flavor, to say the least. His sudden departure feels like an unexpected twist in a series that had been following a fairly predictable path. On a practical note, it might be an effort to inject some freshness into the Criminal Minds formula. Whether this move proves successful or not remains to be seen. However, what has many of us talking is the underlying question: why was Will’s character written out in the first place?

In January 2024, the earliest hints of actor Josh Stewart leaving the series emerged when he announced his departure from the show. It appeared there were no bitter feelings involved as he praised his fellow BAU castmates, calling them “the absolute best.” While details were scarce at the time, his social media post confirmed that his role as Will LaMontagne had come to an end. Later, showrunner Erica Messer revealed that Will’s sudden death was inspired by a real-life health scare experienced by A.J. Cook’s husband, Nathan Andersen.

Regarding Stewart’s departure from Criminal Minds, a specific explanation has never been provided. Nevertheless, given the circumstances, it seems plausible that Stewart’s busy schedule could be the cause, as he has numerous projects and Messer acknowledged his unavailability for the revival’s second season. However, this is only speculation. What is known for certain is that Stewart parted ways with Criminal Minds in a friendly manner at the end of his tenure.

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2025-05-29 23:07