Chicago PD Quietly Drops Major Character

Burgess disappearance raises questions after Ruzek's unexplained absence

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The last episode of Chicago PD Season 13 saw the sudden and unexplained disappearance of Detective Kim Burgess from the unit, coming on the heels of a similar absence by her partner, Adam Ruzek, earlier in the season. While Ruzek's time away was briefly addressed, Burgess's sudden vanishing act has left fans wondering about the reasons behind these character departures.

Why it matters

The show's formula typically focuses on individual character development each episode, making sudden absences of major characters like Burgess and Ruzek highly noticeable and raising questions about the reasons behind them. Fans are left to speculate on whether the two absences are connected and what it could mean for the future of these beloved characters.

The details

In episode 9 of season 13, titled "Heroes", Ruzek's absence is briefly explained as him dealing with an "emergency with Bob" at a facility. However, Burgess's disappearance is never addressed, with the character simply vanishing without explanation. This mirrors the earlier unexplained absence of Ruzek, which left viewers searching for clues. When the focus shifted to Imani's storyline, Burgess's lack of involvement was highly conspicuous, as the character is typically integral to resolving cases.

  • In season 13, episode 9 of Chicago PD, Ruzek's absence is first addressed.
  • In the last episode of season 13, Burgess disappears from the unit without explanation.

The players

Kim Burgess

A detective in the Chicago PD unit whose sudden and unexplained disappearance has left fans puzzled.

Adam Ruzek

Burgess's partner, who also recently took a leave of absence from the unit, with his absence briefly addressed as dealing with a family emergency.

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What they’re saying

“OK, Adam had an emergency with Bob, so he's at the facility.”

— Kim Burgess, Detective (Chicago PD)

What’s next

Burgess is expected to return for the upcoming One Chicago crossover event on March 4, 2026, though it's unclear if Ruzek's absence will also be addressed at that time.

The takeaway

The unexplained absences of two major characters on Chicago PD have left fans speculating about the reasons behind them and what it could mean for the future of the show. The lack of clarity around these departures highlights the importance of consistent character development and the impact that sudden changes can have on devoted viewers.