Few character deaths in Chicago Fire history hit harder than Leslie Shay’s. Eleven years after her tragic exit, fans still talk about her bond with Kelly Severide and how her absence left a hole in Firehouse 51 that was never truly filled. Now, with season 14 on the horizon and Stella Kidd pregnant, the show may have found the perfect way to honor Shay—and even bring her back in an unexpected way.
The Loss That Shook Firehouse 51
When season 3 opened with Shay’s death, fans were blindsided. The explosion that claimed her life was brutal, sudden, and final. Severide and Gabby Dawson’s desperate attempts to revive her only deepened the heartbreak.
Shay wasn’t just another paramedic. She was family. Her quick wit, fierce loyalty, and ride-or-die friendship with Severide set her apart. That’s why her loss reverberated for seasons, especially through Severide, who struggled to let go of one of the most important people in his life.
Stellaride’s Pregnancy Changes Everything
The season 13 finale revealed that Stella Kidd is pregnant—a joyful twist after failed adoption attempts and months of doubt. For Stellaride fans, it was the payoff of years of will-they-won’t-they tension and a promise of a new beginning for the couple.
But with this new chapter comes one very big decision: the baby’s name. And for longtime viewers, one option feels more fitting than all the rest—naming the child after Leslie Shay.
Why Naming the Baby After Shay Matters
Severide and Shay’s bond wasn’t romantic, but it was arguably the most profound relationship he ever had. They even toyed with the idea of raising a child together platonically. To now have Severide finally becoming a father, and to honor Shay in the process, would be deeply poetic.
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Legacy: Naming the baby “Leslie” or “Shay” keeps her memory alive for both the characters and the fans.
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Symbolism: It would reflect how far Severide has come, from grieving Shay’s death to raising a child with her spirit in mind.
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Fan Reward: After more than a decade, fans still miss Shay. This would be a powerful nod to her place in the show’s history.
And, of course, Shay’s gender-neutral name works perfectly regardless of whether Stellaride welcome a son or daughter.
Could Lauren German Actually Return?
Here’s where things get interesting. If Stella and Severide decide to name their baby after Shay, the show has a golden opportunity to bring Lauren German back—even if only briefly.
Flashbacks, dream sequences, or even Severide’s hallucinations could allow Shay to “appear” as he grapples with impending fatherhood. Imagine Severide, overwhelmed by the thought of raising a child, finding comfort in a memory of Shay—his truest confidante.
Lauren German hasn’t appeared on Chicago Fire since the season 3 premiere, but with her schedule currently open, a one-episode return isn’t out of the question. It would be an emotional gift to fans who have waited over a decade to see her again.
A Season 14 Storyline Fans Would Rally Behind
While Chicago Fire is known for its daring rescues and gut-punching cliffhangers, its real power lies in the emotional arcs that tie Firehouse 51 together. Having Stellaride name their baby after Shay—and potentially featuring a Lauren German cameo—wouldn’t just honor the past. It would strengthen the show’s legacy as one of TV’s most emotionally resonant dramas.
Shay may be gone, but her presence has never left Firehouse 51. In season 14, Severide and Kidd’s baby could finally bring her back home.
