AceShowbiz - LaRoyce Hawkins is departing from Chicago P.D. before the start of its 14th season, ScreenRant reports. Hawkins, who has portrayed Kevin Atwater since the series began, will appear in only the first two to three episodes of the upcoming season as his character’s storyline concludes.

Onechicagocenter also confirmed Hawkins’ exit, noting that he is the first original cast member to leave the show in four seasons, with only four original actors—Jason Beghe, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, and Amy Morton—remaining as the series moves forward. Additionally, Chicago P.D. season 14 is introducing a new series regular described as a Black police officer who is expected to bring disruption to the team, per both outlets.

LaRoyce Hawkins is best known for his long-running role as Officer Kevin Atwater, a character who originated on Chicago P.D.’s sister show, Chicago Fire, before becoming a series regular on the crime drama. Over the years, Atwater has evolved from a patrol officer to a key member of Hank Voight’s Intelligence Unit. The show, which debuted in 2014 and is produced by Universal Television for NBC, has seen frequent cast turnovers, but Hawkins’ departure marks one of the most significant in recent seasons.

This exit is notable as Atwater’s character was underutilized in recent seasons and had only recently revealed a new personal dimension as a father, a plot point anticipated to influence his upcoming departure. The likely storyline involves Atwater relocating to Miami to be with Taysha Fox and their child, providing a plausible exit for the character. Hawkins and the show’s producers have yet to publicly address the reasons behind his departure.

This article is based on reporting originally published by ScreenRant.