Derek’s death in Grey's Anatomy season 11 ranks high amongst the medical drama’s most heartbreaking tragedies, but as sad as it was, it saved his and Meredith’s marriage in one unlikely way. Derek spent the majority of Grey’s Anatomy season 11 between Seattle and Washington, DC due to the President’s brain mapping initiative, making his last season work as a setup for whenever he wouldn’t be there anymore among Grey Sloan Memorial’s doctors. Derek’s death following the car crash and his case’s mismanagement at the remote hospital was heart-wrenching to watch, but it also oddly saved his relationship with Meredith.