One of Chicago Fire’s newest additions to the cast is also the show’s newest departure.

Rome Flynn, who played Jake Gibson on the series, has left the show after joining at the

beginning of season 12, PEOPLE has learned. The March 27 episode of Chicago Fire marked the actor’s final appearance.

Showrunner Andrea Newman previously expressed excitement over the addition of Flynn in January. “He’s a vibrant presence and a very different energy than a lot of us at [Firehouse] 51. He’s going to shake things up,” she told Variety afterward. “As a character, there are so many layers that need to be revealed on Gibson. He will be an interesting new element to stir up 51 a bit.”
Flynn’s representatives did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. However, the actor spoke out about the change in a statement shared with Variety.

“Like all fans, I was sad to see Gibson go,” he said. He is a character I would love to play.” “I had a wonderful experience during my time on Chicago Fire and have great respect for the cast and crew, and hope to work with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.”

In his final appearance on the show, Flynn’s character leaves Firehouse 51 to seek treatment for his addiction to prescription drugs.

“Just wanted to say thank you for being honest with me,” Jake tells Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), referring to a tense conversation somewhere in the episode about his drug problem. “Where I come from, that means someone has your back. Appreciate that.”

“See you on the other side, brother,” Sam replied.

On Monday, Flynn, 32, posted several behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, writing simply “Chicago fire curtain.”
The actor’s departure follows several cast changes this season. Kara Killmer last appeared in the February 28 episode of Chicago Fire after 10 seasons playing paramedic Sylvie Brett, while Alberto Rosende, who played Gallo for five seasons, also left in the season 12 premiere of the NBC procedural. Taylor Kinney, interim, returns as Lt. Kelly Severide after a hiatus to “deal with a personal matter.”

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