Overview of JJ's Husband on Criminal Minds
On the long-running CBS series Criminal Minds, Jennifer Jareau (JJ) is married to Dr. William LaMontagne Jr., commonly called Will. Will first appears in season six and becomes a steady presence as a reporter who later works in public relations. Across seasons, their relationship is portrayed as supportive and central to JJ's personal arcs. This overview explains what ultimately happened to Will, how his time on the show unfolded, and the circumstances of his final appearance, using verified narrative beats and aired episodes.
Will LaMontagne's Character Introduction and Role
Meeting JJ and Early Storylines
Will is introduced as a reporter who crosses paths with JJ while covering a story related to the BAU. Their connection develops into a serious relationship, leading to marriage. He is portrayed as level-headed, supportive, and protective of JJ, often serving as an anchor away from the team's high-stress casework. As JJ's husband, Will represents a grounding element in her personal life, balancing her intense work in profiling and field support.
Professional Background and Public Relations Work
Over time, Will transitions from journalism to a public relations role within the Department of Justice. This shift helps maintain a connection to the law enforcement world while offering a more stable, civilian perspective. His career path is referenced across multiple seasons and underscores his adaptability and commitment to supporting JJ amid the demands of her role with the BAU.
Key Relationship Moments Between JJ and Will
- Season 6: Will is introduced and establishes a close bond with JJ after a dangerous case, leading to their engagement.
- Season 7: They marry in a private ceremony, with JJ's team present for support, marking a major personal milestone.
- Season 9: The couple navigates the challenges of balancing family life and demanding careers, including the arrival of their son, Henry.
- Season 10: Will faces a life-threatening situation while covering a story, resulting in severe injury and a critical turning point.
- Season 11: The aftermath of Will's injury and his struggle with recovery create tension and drive important emotional storylines for JJ.
What Happened to Will: Injury and Hospitalization
In season 10, Will is violently attacked while on assignment overseas. He sustains a traumatic brain injury and is airlifted to a U.S. hospital, where JJ and the BAU team travel to be by his side. His condition is portrayed as grave but stable, prompting significant emotional arcs for JJ as she balances duty to the team with being at Will's bedside. The storyline explores the physical and psychological toll of the injury on both Will and JJ, and it serves as a major dramatic moment in the season.
Will's Recovery, Discharge, and Stability
After an extended hospitalization, Will is eventually discharged and returns home to begin rehabilitation. The show addresses the long process of recovery, including physical therapy, cognitive challenges, and emotional adjustments. JJ's commitment to supporting him through this period is a recurring theme, and their relationship is depicted as deeply tested yet resilient. Scenes of their renewed partnership highlight mutual support as they navigate life after the attack.
Will's Death: Circumstances and Impact on JJ
In season 12, it is revealed that Will has died offscreen between seasons 11 and 12. The cause is disclosed as a pulmonary embolism, a complication related to his earlier injuries and prolonged recovery. His death profoundly affects JJ, influencing her decisions and emotional state in subsequent episodes. The narrative treats his passing as a significant loss, shaping JJ's character development and highlighting the lasting impact of trauma on both patients and families.
Timeline Table: Key Events for Will LaMontagne
| Season / Period | Event | Narrative Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Season 6 | Will is introduced; relationship with JJ develops | Establishes foundation for marriage and partnership |
| Season 7 | JJ and Will marry | Major personal milestone; cements family unit |
| Season 9 | Birth of son Henry | >Expands family dynamic and work-life balance themes |
| Season 10 | Will suffers traumatic brain injury in attack | Catalyst for major emotional and medical storylines |
| Season 11 | Will's recovery and rehabilitation | Focus on adaptation, resilience, and relationship strain |
| Season 12 | Will dies from pulmonary embolism | Offscreen death; deeply affects JJ and shapes later arcs |
Summary of What Happened to JJ's Husband
Will LaMontagne, JJ's husband on Criminal Minds, is introduced as a reporter who becomes a supportive partner and father. After marrying JJ and having a son, he suffers a life-threatening injury while on assignment, undergoes a difficult recovery, and later dies from a pulmonary embolism in season 12. His death is handled as a poignant, offscreen event that shapes JJ's subsequent choices and emotional arc, making his storyline a lasting part of the show's character-driven drama.
Related Concepts and Context
Understanding Will's arc helps contextualize JJ's long-term character journey and the show's treatment of family, trauma, and recovery. The writers use his injury and death to explore realistic consequences of violence and illness, emphasizing continuity between personal and professional lives. This contributes to the series' strength in portraying enduring emotional stakes alongside case-of-the-week narratives.
Quick Comparison of Major Personal Arcs
| Character | Key Relationship Status | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| JJ (Jennifer Jareau) | Married to Will LaMontagne | Widowed; remains devoted to his memory while continuing her work with the BAU |
Tags: criminal-minds-jj-husband-status, will-la-montagne-death, criminal-minds-relationship-status
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Will LaMontagne Based on a Real Person?
No. Will is a fictional character created for the series to explore how personal relationships intersect with the high-stress world of criminal profiling. His storyline is crafted to deepen JJ's character and provide long-term emotional stakes.
Does JJ Find Love Again After Will?
Within the aired series, JJ does not begin a new romantic relationship after Will's death. The show treats her marriage as a lasting bond, and her character remains defined by her history with Will and her dedication to her team and family.
How Does Will's Death Affect JJ's Work?
Will's death influences JJ's decisions, including her temporary departure from the BAU and her approach to case work. It reinforces themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the long-term emotional impact of trauma on law enforcement families.