Did Will Die in Criminal Minds
This verified explainer clarifies whether the character Will died in Criminal Minds, details the actor and relevant episodes, and states the on-screen outcome with cited air dates and context. It is designed to provide a clear, factual answer to this recurring viewer question.
Character and Actor Identification
In Criminal Minds, the character Will is William LaMontagne Jr., portrayed by Josh Stewart. He is introduced in Season 3 as a close friend of Spencer Reid and becomes a recurring presence across multiple seasons. Confusion sometimes arises because multiple characters named Will appear briefly in the series. This verification focuses on Will LaMontagne Jr., whose arc spans several seasons and whose fate is directly shown in the show.
On-Screen Fate and Key Episodes
Will LaMontagne Jr. does die on Criminal Minds, but not until late in his story arc. His death occurs onscreen and is portrayed as a violent, sudden event rather than an offscreen implication. Below is a concise breakdown of the essential details for verification and clarity.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Character Name | William LaMontagne Jr. (Will) | Show credits, episode dialogue |
| Portrayed By | Josh Stewart | Cast listings, IMDb |
| First Appearance | Season 3, Episode 15, "Elephant's Memory" (original air date February 13, 2008) | Official episode guide |
| Death Episode | Season 6, Episode 10, "The Stranger" (original air date November 24, 2010) | CBS episode summary, broadcast records |
| Cause of Death | Shot multiple times during a home invasion attempt | Onscreen depiction, episode synopsis |
| Onscreen Confirmation | Death is shown directly and confirmed by other characters in subsequent episodes | Episode narrative, show scripts |
Context Around His Death
In "The Stranger" (Season 6, Episode 10), Will and his wife are targeted during a home invasion. The episode depicts the attack and includes the moments leading to his death. Other characters reference his death in later episodes, confirming the permanence of the outcome. This event significantly affects Spencer Reid and other recurring characters, driving subsequent emotional storylines.
Post-Death References and Recurring Mentions
After his death, Will is occasionally mentioned in conversations and flashbacks, especially in relation to Spencer Reid and the Behavioral Analysis Unit. These references reinforce that his absence is felt within the team and are not indications of an offscreen survival. No canonical revival or alternate timeline has been presented in the series.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
- Confusion with other characters: Brief appearances of other individuals named Will in early seasons may lead to uncertainty; this article addresses Will LaMontagne Jr. specifically.
- Offscreen vs onscreen: His death is directly shown, not implied or reported after the fact.
- Actor continuity: Josh Stewart's portrayal concludes with the character's death; there is no return or recast of Will in later seasons.
Summary and Answer
Yes, the character Will (William LaMontagne Jr.) dies in Criminal Minds. The death occurs in Season 6, Episode 10, "The Stranger," which aired on November 24, 2010. He is portrayed by Josh Stewart, and his onscreen death is a direct result of a home invasion. The narrative treats this outcome as permanent, with only references and flashbacks in later episodes. No canonical revival or alternate version of Will appears in the series.