Following the death of Patrick Dempsey's character on "Grey's Anatomy', over 4,000 fans of the show have already signed a petition that was launched on Change.org as an attempt to bring Derek Shepherd back on the series.
When the show killed off McDreamy in last Thursday's episode, such decision was met by an angry outburst from fans all over the world.
"It's like you've killed the President of Grey's Anatomy!" petition creator Courtney Williams wrote in her official statement. "YOU HAVE TO BRING DEREK BACK! NOW! IMMEDIATELY!"
However, despite the 4,268 (and counting) signatures that the petition has garnered, it remains unlikely that Shepherd will be making an appearance in the form of a flashback or memory in future "Grey's Anatomy' episodes.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dempsey opened up about having to leave the show; he also expresses his understanding as to why the show's fans are extremely upset about his character being killed off.
"I think any time an original cast member has left, there's always a void that will never be filled," the actor explained. "Shepherd is a beloved character. People don't want to lose him. He's been in their lives for over 10 years. But it goes on, and it will evolve."
According to the petition writer, showrunner Shonda Rimes should come up with an episode wherein McDreamy only dies in a dream or a hallucination.
"You do NOT get to toy with our lives and emotions like this Shonda, NO! That is NOT RIGHT! How do you sleep at night?!?!!," Williams further wrote.
Meanwhile, Rhimes released an official statement about Dempsey's exit from the series and how his contribution in terms of performance has significantly contributed to Derek's character.
"Patrick Dempsey's performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example - happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true - of what young women should demand from modern love," Rhimes explained.
Following the tragic death of Dempsey's character, the showruner also shared that Derek's wife Meredith along with the other members of the "Grey's Anatomy' family will stumble upon "uncharted territory" which, nonetheless, will bring put forward a new chapter in life.
The 11th season of Grey's Anatomy' will continue to air and fans can look forward to the season's final episode on May 14.
