Evolution Cast Responds to Will’s Unexpected Passing

“Criminal Minds: Evolution” is kicking off Season 18 in a dramatic fashion.

The Paramount+ series made a bold move in the second episode by eliminating a well-loved character that fans have followed for years.

In the episode titled “The Zookeeper,” audiences bid farewell to Will LaMontagne, Jr. (Josh Stewart), a recurring character since Season 2. According to IMDB, he has appeared in 27 episodes in total.

Viewers of the show, a spinoff and continuation of the original “Criminal Minds,” expressed strong emotions regarding this plot twist, particularly concerning its impact on Will’s wife, JJ Jareau (A.J. Cook).

“Criminal Minds, I will not forgive you for doing this to JJ,” one fan wrote on X.

“Omg not Will!! Why, Criminal Minds? Why?? As if JJ hasn’t been through enough already…” another commented.

Many fans were disheartened by Will’s demise, with one labeling the move as “completely unnecessary.”

“Criminal Minds, you will be funding my therapy,” another user commented.

Some even wished to forget it altogether.

“What if I just never watch this episode of Criminal Minds and JJ and Will live happily ever after?” one fan wrote.

The unexpected twist surprised many viewers, though Stewart had previously announced his departure from the show. In January 2024, he responded to an X user who inquired about a return.

“No sadly, my days of playing Will LaMontagne Jr. are over,” he wrote. “You guys have been the absolute best.”

How did ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ kill off Will?

Will made his return in the second episode on May 14, after being away on a case. However, things escalated when JJ found him at home suffering from a migraine.

After he collapsed, JJ called for emergency help. At the hospital, it was revealed that Will had suffered an aneurysm and exhibited signs of a rare condition known as “spontaneous rupture of the inferior thyroid artery.”

The episode concluded with JJ informing viewers of her husband’s death.

Why did ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ kill off Will?

Neither Stewart nor the show’s creators have provided clarification about this departure.

In May 2024, showrunner Erica Messer discussed Stewart’s exit with TVLine.

“We tried to make it work this year, but it just didn’t pan out. We love Will, JJ loves Will … and that remains a part of her character’s world,” Messer stated.

How has the cast responded?

Paget Brewster, portraying Emily Prentiss, shared her thoughts on Will’s passing and its effect on JJ with TV Insider.

“JJ is an incredibly strong individual who understands grief. As a wife, mother, and law enforcement officer, she’s excellent at her job and prefers not to let that sadness in. She’s focused on caring for her children and doing her work, avoiding her own grief,” the actress explained. “The entire team is rallying to support her, even though she resists that care.”

Kirsten Vangsness, who plays Penelope Garcia, speculated on how JJ may cope with the loss of her husband.

“When deep pain occurs, my perception of JJ is that she becomes very private. With a friend like that, sometimes just being available is the best support, rather than overly engaging. She doesn’t appreciate people asking, ‘Are you OK?’” she noted.

In an interview with Us Weekly, Adam Rodriguez, who plays Luke Alvez, expressed his feelings about Will’s demise, stating, “It’s not a death anyone wants to see.”

As he reflected on how JJ would handle Will’s passing, Rodriguez added, “It provided AJ, the actress, an opportunity to showcase her remarkable talent. This storyline allows her to truly delve into something meaningful.”