The Shocking Truth: Why Did Will LaMontagne Jr. Die In Criminal Minds: Evolution?

The sudden and heartbreaking death of Detective William "Will" LaMontagne Jr. in the revival series *Criminal Minds: Evolution* sent shockwaves through the fandom, ending one of the show’s longest-running and most beloved relationships. As of December 12, 2025, the truth behind Will's exit is a combination of a devastating in-universe medical crisis and a real-life decision by the actor to close the chapter on his character.

The character, who had been a staple since Season 2 of the original *Criminal Minds*, was killed off in a surprisingly low-action manner, leaving SSA Jennifer "JJ" Jareau and their two sons reeling. This article breaks down the exact cause of death, the episode it occurred in, and the emotional reason actor Josh Stewart chose to step away from the iconic role.

The Man Behind the Badge: William LaMontagne Jr. and Actor Josh Stewart

The character of Detective William "Will" LaMontagne Jr. was a fixture in the *Criminal Minds* universe, first appearing in the season two episode "Jones." He was a New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) detective who eventually married BAU's communications liaison-turned-profiler, SSA Jennifer "JJ" Jareau. Their relationship, which spanned from 2007 to 2023, anchored the personal lives of the BAU team.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Will was known for his dedication to his family and his supportive role as JJ's husband, often stepping back from his own career to ensure stability for their two sons, Henry and Michael. He was a graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice, following his father's footsteps into law enforcement.

Actor Josh Stewart: Biography and Filmography

• Full Name: Joshua Regnall Stewart
• Born: February 6, 1977
• Birthplace: Diana, West Virginia, U.S.
• Education: Attended West Virginia Wesleyan College.
• Breakout Role: Officer Brendan Finney on the series *Third Watch*.
• Notable Roles: Will LaMontagne Jr. in *Criminal Minds*, Holt McLaren in *Dirt*, Barsad in *The Dark Knight Rises* (2012), and John Pilgrim in *The Punisher* (2019).
• Status: Confirmed in 2024 that his days of playing Will LaMontagne Jr. were "over."

The In-Universe Cause: A Quiet, Sudden, and Tragic End

Unlike the dramatic, high-stakes deaths typical of the *Criminal Minds* world—usually involving a confrontation with a vicious UnSub—Will LaMontagne Jr.'s demise was shockingly quiet and medically grounded. His death was revealed in Season 3, Episode 2 of the revival series, *Criminal Minds: Evolution* (which is also considered Season 18 of the overall franchise).

The Medical Specifics of Will's Death

The storyline established that Will succumbed to a rare thyroid aneurysm.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• The Precursor: The show had previously set up this health issue in an earlier season of the revival, where Will was dealing with a noticeable thyroid issue.
• The Event: The thyroid condition ultimately led to a spontaneous, fatal aneurysm. An aneurysm is a ballooning of a blood vessel, and a thyroid aneurysm is a particularly rare and dangerous form.
• The Impact: This low-action exit was designed to be devastatingly personal, hitting close to home for the BAU team and specifically for JJ. It was a stark reminder that tragedy can strike even the most protected characters from mundane, real-world causes, not just the serial killers they hunt.

The plot choice to use a medical condition rather than a violent attack was a deliberate narrative decision, serving to highlight the deep emotional toll on the BAU team, especially JJ, who now had to face life as a widowed mother while battling the horrific crimes of the season's primary UnSub, Elias Voit.

The Real-World Reason: Josh Stewart's Emotional Exit

While the writers provided a compelling, albeit tragic, medical explanation, the true reason for the character's death was rooted in the actor's personal and professional choices. Josh Stewart's departure was the primary catalyst for Will's shocking exit from the series in 2024.

The Actor's Confirmation

In early 2024, Josh Stewart took to social media to confirm his status with the show, stating that his time as Detective William LaMontagne Jr. was over. This announcement came shortly before the character's death was revealed on-screen, confirming the end of a nearly two-decade-long run with the franchise.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Stewart's decision to leave was a personal one, allowing him to move on to new projects and focus on other aspects of his career. For a show that relies heavily on its ensemble cast, the exit of a major recurring character like Will, particularly one tied so closely to a main character like JJ, necessitated a definitive and impactful ending to his storyline.

Fan Reaction: Devastation and Disbelief

The news of Will's death was met with widespread devastation and disbelief from the dedicated *Criminal Minds* fanbase.

• A Beloved Couple: Will and JJ were considered one of the most stable and enduring relationships in the show's history, a beacon of normalcy amidst the darkness of their work. Fans felt "furious" and "livid" that the show would kill off a character who represented so much of the BAU's personal happiness.
• The Nature of the Death: Many viewers found the sudden, non-violent nature of the death to be an unsatisfying end for such a long-standing character. However, others appreciated the emotional weight of a tragedy that felt more realistic and unavoidable than a typical UnSub confrontation.
• Impact on JJ: The main emotional fallout centered on JJ Jareau (A.J. Cook), whose character was forced to endure profound grief while maintaining her professional duties. This provided a heavy, dramatic arc for the season, exploring how a BAU agent copes when tragedy strikes their own home.

The death of Will LaMontagne Jr. marked a significant, somber turning point for *Criminal Minds: Evolution*, reinforcing the high emotional stakes of the revival and proving that no character, no matter how beloved or long-serving, is safe from the harsh realities of life and death, both on and off-screen.