Rome Flynn’s departure from Chicago Fire due to drug addiction

leads to multiple cast exits in season 12, including Kara Killmer

and Alberto Rosende, while Taylor Kinney returns.One of Chicago Fires

newest cast members is also the show’s most recent departure.
Rome Flynn, who played Jake Gibson on the drama, has departed the program after arriving at the beginning of season 12, PEOPLE has learnt. The actor made his final appearance on Chicago Fire on March 27.
Andrea Newman, the showrunner, had already voiced her delight about Flynn’s joining in January.”He’s an electric presence with a completely different vibe than most of our guys at [Firehouse] 51. “He will shake things up,” she told Variety at the time. “Gibson is a character with many layers to peel back. He’ll be a fantastic new addition to Rock 51.Representatives for Flynn did not reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment. However, in a statement to Variety, the actor addressed the split.
“Like all of the supporters, I was saddened to see Gibson leave. “He was a character I thoroughly enjoyed playing,” he remarked. “I had a wonderful experience during my time on Chicago Fire and have great respect for the cast and crew and hope to team up with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.”

In his final appearance on the show, Flynn’s character leaves Firehouse 51 to seek help for his prescription drug addiction.
“Just wanted to say thanks for keeping it real with me,” Jake tells Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), referring to a tough conversation earlier in the episode about his drug issues. “Where I am from, that signifies someone has your back. I appreciate that. “See you on the other side, brother,” Sam replies.
On Monday, Flynn, 32, posted several behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, writing simply, “curtain call chicago fire”.

The actor’s departure comes after many cast changes this season. Kara Killmer made her final appearance as paramedic Sylvie Brett on Chicago Fire on February 28, after ten seasons, while Alberto Rosende, who played Gallo for five seasons, also left in the NBC procedural’s season 12 premiere. Taylor Kinney, meanwhile, returned as Lieutenant Kelly Severide after taking a break to “deal with a personal matter.”