Kellan Lutz left FBI: Most Wanted at the start of Season 3. What was the reason behind his departure, and will he return?

When a series regular unexpectedly leaves a series, there are always questions as to why. Was it a creative decision, or was it one made by the actor?

Kellan Lutz has been with FBI: Most Wanted since the backdoor pilot in FBI Season 1. Twilight ($) fans quickly tuned in to see what he was doing next, and we loved that Most Wanted was picked up to series. However, the start of Season 3 brought us the disappointing news that we’d be losing Kenny Crosby.

The character was shot and almost killed during the first part of the three-hour crossover between the three FBI shows. He needed surgery, and it was touch-and-go for a while. In the end, we learned that he’d need a long recovery period and would head home with his parents.

Kellan Lutz chose to leave FBI: Most Wanted

The exit wasn’t a creative one. It was one made by Lutz, and there’s actually a very sad story behind it.

According to TVLine, Lutz made the request to leave during the previous season. While 2020 was a hard year for everyone, it was an even harder year for him. His eldest daughter died, and he also almost lost his wife. Both his grandfathers also died, all while the world was dealing with the pandemic.

With that came the realization that family was way more important than work, and he decided to move back to L.A. to be closer to his younger daughter’s grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

It was heartbreaking to hear all this, especially as he hadn’t been open about the losses up to this point. They came as a shock to many.

The good news is Crosby’s character has been written out in a way that could see him return should Lutz ever want to. Even if it’s as a one-off, he’s always welcome in the FBI: Most Wanted family.

MORE: Why is Lindsey Morgan leaving Walker?

What did you love the most about Crosby as a character? What would you like to see more of on FBI: Most Wanted? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

FBI: Most Wanted airs on Tuesdays at 10/9c on CBS.