Dr. April Kepner has been one of the most favorite characters in the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Her character arc began in Season 6 of the series. April was played by Sarah Drew, who started off as an unlikeable character on the show. Nevertheless, she evolved so much that it turned her into one of the most loved characters.
Her storylines have been enriched with professional struggles, personal growth, and complex relationships, especially with Jackson Avery, with whom she has two children.
This article will discuss April and clear up her fate in the series — she does not die but leaves the series.
April Kepner's journey on Grey's Anatomy
April Kepner came aboard to Grey's Anatomy amidst a sea of turbulence. She was a surgical resident in the wake of the merger between Mercy West Medical Center and Seattle Grace Mercy West. April struggled in the early days with issues related to confidence, especially after making an error that cost a patient her life, after which April was temporarily dismissed.
Her return to the hospital under Derek Shepherd's leadership made her bounce back from her low self-esteem and further put her on the pathway to trauma surgery. April's personal life was equally marred with upheavals. The marriage to Jackson Avery saw many tests and tribulations, the most notable being the loss of their firstborn child, Samuel, to osteogenesis imperfecta type II.
The event of the baby's death was very close to April's heart, and thus she took some time off from Jackson and even questioned God. The two would later get back together only to raise their daughter, Harriet, as friends. April had a very tough time on Season 14 of Grey's Anatomy as she witnessed the death of many good people who had been close to her, an occurrence which made her question her faith.
She turned to self-destructive behaviors which, for her, all came to a head in a car accident with her fiancé, Matthew, that landed her in a critical condition. Miraculously, despite severe injuries, April lived. The fervent prayers Jackson offered had a place in her recovery. This event marked a rebirth for April, and she eventually married Matthew and found new meaning in life.
Does April Kepner die in Grey's Anatomy?
April Kepner does not die in Grey's Anatomy. She graciously leaves the series full of hope. At the end of Season 14, April marries Matthew and finds a new purpose in life: providing homeless people with medical treatment. She leaves Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to be able to dedicate her life to helping others outside the hospital setting—typical of her compassionate nature.
In the season 17 finale, it was mentioned that April and Matthew had broken up. When Jackson left Grey Sloan Memorial to take over the running of the Catherine Fox Foundation in Boston, April went with him as he moved to Boston with their daughter, Harriet. Thus began their new life as April and Jackson teamed up for improved healthcare.
The story of April in Grey's Anatomy is of resilience, growth, and faith unshaken. She developed from an insecure surgical resident to a passionate trauma surgeon and champion for homeless people, touting a strong all-around character arc. Despite several trials and errors, April has grown strong, determined, and dedicated to helping people.
For fans looking to relive the best moments of April Kepner or stroll down memory lane with her, episodes of Grey's Anatomy can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
