Grey's Anatomy, one of television's longest-running series, is losing one of its original cast members. Justin Chambers, who played Dr. Alex Karev, is leaving the ABC show after 16 seasons. The news comes as a shock to fans of the series because there was nothing leading up to his departure from the show before this announcement.

According to Deadline, Chambers' final episode for the "foreseeable future" was his appearance in the show's 350th episode, which aired in November. In the episode, Alex left to care for his sick mother and I guess he'll just call in to tell his friends that he's not coming back at some point. So that's it, he's out.

Justin Chambers had this to say in a statement about his exit, thanking ABC, Shonda Rimes, and the original cast of Grey's Anatomy. Cue the tears.

"There's no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that's defined so much of my life for the past 15 years. For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time. As I move on from Grey's Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride."

Everyone's been blindsided, though, and the internet did NOT take it well when the announcement was made. Many fans took to Twitter to express sadness, anger, and hope that he'll still be back at some point. Tragically doubtful if he does want to pursue other career opportunities.

The whole greys anatomy fandom rn after they announced Justin chambers is leaving greys and we won't see Alex karev anymore!😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/nvUzo0wC31

— seliii⭐️🌸🦋🌻 (@gennycantu) January 10, 2020

me in my room listening to "chasing cars" on repeat bc I just found out alex karev is leaving greys anatomy😭 pic.twitter.com/Dxf9vfAY2B

— ♏︎ (@vxdhxx) January 10, 2020

Shonda bet not kill off Alex Karev. Meredith lost way too many people already. I'm still mad that Owen and not Link is Amelia baby daddy and that Bailey and Ben lost their baby now Justin Chambers is leaving so if Alex dies me and Shonda gone have a problem #greysanatomy pic.twitter.com/wRRRthVusM

— Jamie Byrd (@leeleelayla5102) January 10, 2020

What. The. Fuck.
Just cancel greys anatomy. We don't want it anymore. We can't have it without Alex Karev. https://t.co/iGqn8JPpmu

— Leece Denise (@AliciaDeniseS) January 10, 2020

alex karev, literal evil spawn, did not spend the last sixteen seasons of grey's anatomy not only executing the most beautiful character development ever but also completely carrying the show on his back for this to happen pic.twitter.com/tLuMtURxEM

— izzy (@spidermanffh) January 10, 2020

Me, thinking Alex Karev was the one of Meredith's "people" that would never leave her pic.twitter.com/ZVqeBmMkYH

— Cameron (@camhope329) January 10, 2020

Grey's Anatomy Season 16 returns from winter hiatus on January 23 at 9/8c on ABC.