The Shocking Truth: Which Chicago P.D. Stars Are Leaving The Show In Season 13 (And Why)

The *Chicago P.D.* Intelligence Unit is known for its intense, high-stakes drama, but the biggest shake-ups often happen off-screen, with major cast members deciding to hang up their badges. Fans are constantly on edge, wondering which beloved character will be the next to leave District 21. As of December 2025, the show has confirmed a major temporary departure for Season 13, following the emotional exit of a core member in the Season 11 finale, leading to significant re-writes and a shift in the team's dynamics.

The latest updates confirm a surprising temporary exit for one of the few remaining original cast members, while the complete details behind a recent high-profile departure have finally been clarified. Here is the definitive, up-to-date breakdown of every major star who has recently left, or is taking a leave of absence, from *Chicago P.D.*

The Departing Stars: Complete Biography and Profile

The two most significant and recent cast changes involve actors who have been pillars of the Intelligence Unit for years. Their departures—one permanent and one temporary—have fundamentally altered the team dynamic for Season 12 and the upcoming Season 13.

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Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton)

• Full Name: Panagiota "Tracy" Spiridakos
• Role on Show: Detective Hailey Upton (Seasons 4–11)
• Date of Birth: February 20, 1988
• Place of Birth: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian (of Greek descent)
• Notable Roles: Becky Richards in *Majority Rules!*, Charlie Matheson in *Revolution*, Annika Johnson in *Bates Motel*

Patrick John Flueger (Officer Adam Ruzek)

• Full Name: Patrick John Flueger
• Role on Show: Officer Adam Ruzek (Seasons 1–13, currently on leave)
• Date of Birth: December 10, 1983
• Place of Birth: Red Wing, Minnesota, USA
• Nationality: American
• Notable Roles: Shawn Farrell in *The 4400*, Jeremiah in *Footloose*, Max in *The Princess Diaries*

Patrick John Flueger’s Surprising Temporary Leave in Season 13

The biggest news impacting the immediate future of the show is the temporary departure of Patrick John Flueger, who plays the fan-favorite original character Officer Adam Ruzek.

The actor is taking a personal leave of absence during Season 13, which has reportedly followed a difficult period for him.

This decision, announced in late 2025, sent a shockwave through the *One Chicago* fanbase, as Ruzek is one of the four remaining original cast members, alongside Jason Beghe (Voight), Marina Squerciati (Burgess), and LaRoyce Hawkins (Atwater).

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The Storyline Implications for Adam Ruzek

While the actor's reason is personal, the show's writers had to quickly craft a storyline to explain Ruzek’s absence from the Intelligence Unit.

One potential exit arc, teased in earlier storylines, involved Ruzek and his on-again, off-again partner Kim Burgess making a life-changing decision to leave Chicago.

This move would be to protect their adopted daughter, Makayla, from the dangers inherent in their police work.

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While the exact details of the temporary exit were being finalized as the news broke, it is confirmed that the show is working to ensure his character has a path back to the 21st District once the actor is ready to return, confirming this is a temporary break and not a permanent exit.

The Real Reason Tracy Spiridakos Left as Hailey Upton

The departure of Tracy Spiridakos as Detective Hailey Upton was a major event, concluding her seven-season run with the show in the Season 11 finale, titled "More."

Unlike some previous dramatic exits, Spiridakos’s decision was a proactive, personal one, driven by a desire for change and new professional challenges.

She confirmed that she decided to leave at the end of her sixth season, giving the writers a full season to craft a meaningful and complete exit for her character.

“I decided at the end of my sixth season... I love everybody on the show—cast, crew, producers, writers," she stated, emphasizing that the decision was a difficult one made purely to "see what other opportunities are out there."

Hailey Upton’s Emotional Exit Storyline

The character’s final arc in Season 11 was emotionally charged and focused heavily on her complex relationship with Sergeant Hank Voight.

In the finale, Upton was instrumental in a brutal takedown of the serial killer who had kidnapped Voight, a cinematic moment that saw her character go out with a bang.

The final moments of her departure saw her researching different career options, indicating a shift away from the Intelligence Unit's intense and often morally ambiguous work.

This ending provided closure for the character, allowing her to leave on good terms and pursue a new chapter, which is a rare and appreciated send-off in the *One Chicago* universe, often known for its tragic departures.

A Look Back at Other Major Intelligence Unit Departures

While the recent exits of Upton and Ruzek's temporary leave are the most current topics, the Intelligence Unit has seen numerous high-profile departures over the years that are crucial to understanding the show’s evolution and topical history.

These cast changes often provide excellent context for the show’s ongoing narrative and the revolving door of the 21st Precinct.

• Sophia Bush (Detective Erin Lindsay): Left after Season 4 to pursue other opportunities, citing an "abusive behavior" on set as a contributing factor to her decision. Her character left to join an FBI task force in New York.
• Elias Koteas (Detective Alvin Olinsky): A devastating exit in Season 5. Olinsky was killed in prison after being framed by a powerful figure, a departure that was storyline-driven to heighten the stakes for Voight and the team.
• Jon Seda (Detective Antonio Dawson): Left after Season 6. His character's exit was tied to a struggle with opioid addiction, leading him to leave the Intelligence Unit and move to Puerto Rico to recover.
• Brian Geraghty (Officer Sean Roman): Departed in Season 3. Roman left the force after being shot in the line of duty and relocated to San Diego.

The constant turnover, especially among core characters like Upton and Ruzek, keeps the show fresh but continually tests the resilience of the remaining team members, including Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) and Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer, who left in Season 10). The temporary nature of Ruzek’s leave offers a glimmer of hope, but the future of the Intelligence Unit remains unpredictable.