"Law & Order: SVU" has killed off several significant characters over its long run. Some notably impactful deaths include:
- Captain Donald Cragen, an original character in the franchise, who died in the Season 27 premiere. The character was a recovering alcoholic and had appeared in over 400 episodes across Law & Order series.
- Sergeant Mike Dodds, who was murdered in Season 17 during a hostage situation.
- Sister Peg, a beloved nun and community advocate, killed by a stray bullet in a precinct showdown in Season 12.
- Simon Marsden, Olivia Benson’s half-brother, died of an apparent drug overdose in Season 21.
- Kathy Stabler, Elliot Stabler's wife, was killed by a car bomb meant for Stabler in Season 22.
- Ed Tucker, a former Internal Affairs Captain and Olivia Benson's romantic interest, died by suicide from terminal illness in Season 21.
- Detective Ryan O'Halloran, a forensic technician, was killed by his assistant Dale Stuckey.
These deaths deeply affected fans and characters within the series, often serving as pivotal emotional moments in the show.