The long-running medical drama ER wrapped up in 2009 after fifteen back-to-back seasons of pure drama, emotional ups and downs, and, of course, the inevitable workplace romance.
Most characters on the beloved NBC primetime drama stayed the course, and we saw them almost every episode, but this can’t be said for everyone, such as Dr. Ray Barnett.
Ray only lasted three seasons, after which he kept appearing and disappearing from our screen until the last surprise appearance in the series finale.
If you’re curious about what happened to Ray on ER, we have all the details on why he left and what he’s been up to. Read along!
Who Is Ray On ER?
Renowned actor Shane West plays Dr. Ray Barnett, who is completing his residency at the fictional County General Hospital.
In real life, when West joined the series in its 11th season, he was still in high school. Since he was very new in the acting scene, he had yet to learn how iconic and big-time of a show ER was then.
In the medical drama, Ray portrays the role of a smart, ambitious, but rebellious resident doctor who wants to attempt to do away with the ”traditional” way of doing things.
It isn’t unusual for a handsome lad like him to get into a series of romantic entanglements, but Dr Neela Rasgotra is the one girl who seems to tag onto his heart relentlessly. But, as fate would have it, Ray couldn’t get the girl he wanted, or could he?
Ray Lost His Legs in Season Thirteen on ER and Made An Exit
Ray joined the County General Hospital’s ER in season 11 to complete his residency under Dr. John Carter.
Soon enough, he develops romantic feelings for Dr. Neela Rasgotra but fails to initiate an actual relationship with Rasgotra.
The eleventh and twelfth seasons progress as we witness the highs and lows of Ray’s and Neela’s blossoming chemistry.
But the true climax came in the thirteenth season, when Ray got into a tragic accident.
After leaving Abby Lockhart and Luka Kovac’s wedding, drunk and heartbroken, Ray not only gets intoxicated and stirs up a fight with Tony Gates, Neela’s love interest, but he also decides to club hop in his stupor.
He tries to answer a call from Neela on the way home, but he trips and falls in front of a truck. Soon after, his ER colleagues learned that Ray was admitted to a different hospital and would need surgery to amputate both his legs.
This tragic incident forced Ray to rethink his life, or, more accurately, to think deeper about his life and its direction.
Call it a mid-life crisis, but Ray packs up his belongings and leaves Chicago for Baton Rouge, Florida, where he was born and bred.
This somewhat sad ending is the last time we see Dr. Ray Barnette as a main cast member on ER, but an unexpected appearance in a later season will take everyone by surprise.
