Few losses in Chicago Fire history have cut as deep as Leslie Shay’s. Over a decade after her tragic death, fans still feel her absence at Firehouse 51. Her friendship with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) was one of the show’s most heartfelt relationships — built on loyalty, humor, and unconditional love.
Now, with Season 14 promising new beginnings for Severide and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), many fans believe the arrival of the couple’s first child could finally bring Shay’s memory — and maybe even actress Lauren German — back to the screen in a deeply emotional way.
The Loss That Shook Firehouse 51
When Chicago Fire season 3 opened with Shay’s death, fans were left reeling. The shocking explosion that claimed her life not only ended one of the show’s most beloved arcs but also set off years of grief and guilt for Severide.
His bond with Shay had been unlike anything else on television — a platonic soulmate relationship that transcended labels. She was his confidante, his best friend, and in many ways, his moral anchor. Even now, fans still describe Shay as the “heart” of early Chicago Fire.
Her death changed Severide forever — shaping him into the man, husband, and leader he is now.
Stellaride’s Pregnancy Brings Hope
The Season 13 finale delivered one of the most heartwarming twists in recent Chicago Fire memory: Stella Kidd is pregnant. After seasons of heartbreak, near breakups, and failed adoption attempts, the news gave fans a long-awaited glimmer of hope for Stellaride.
Now, as the couple prepares to welcome their first child, the question arises — what will they name their baby?
For many fans, there’s one answer that feels perfect: Leslie Shay.
Why Naming the Baby “Shay” Would Mean Everything
Naming the child after Shay would be more than a touching tribute — it would be the emotional full circle moment Chicago Fire has been building toward for years.
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Legacy: Shay’s memory would live on not only in Severide’s heart but in his family — a lasting connection between past and present.
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Symbolism: It would show how far Severide has come — from losing Shay to embracing fatherhood with her spirit guiding him.
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Fan Tribute: Viewers have never stopped mourning Shay. Honoring her in this way would be a heartfelt nod to longtime fans who’ve stuck with the show through every twist and tragedy.
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Gender-Neutral Perfection: Whether it’s a boy or a girl, the name “Leslie Shay” works beautifully — just as it always did.
Could Lauren German Return as Shay?
Here’s where things get even more intriguing. If the writers decide to honor Shay through Stellaride’s baby, it opens the door for a surprise appearance by Lauren German — even just for one emotional scene.
Chicago Fire has used flashbacks and dream sequences before to powerful effect. Imagine Severide — nervous about fatherhood and reflecting on his past — seeing Shay one last time in a dream, offering comfort and encouragement.
Lauren German hasn’t appeared on the show since the season 3 premiere, but with her schedule currently clear, a one-episode cameo is entirely possible. Such a moment would be monumental for fans who’ve waited over a decade to see Severide and Shay reunited, even briefly.
A Full-Circle Moment Fans Would Love
At its core, Chicago Fire has always been about more than rescues and explosions. It’s about family, legacy, and resilience. Having Severide and Kidd name their baby after Shay would remind fans why the series endures — its emotional honesty and respect for its characters’ journeys.
Shay may be gone, but her presence has never truly left Firehouse 51. In Season 14, with a new life on the way and old wounds ready to heal, Severide’s baby could finally bring Shay home again.
