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Grey’s Anatomy viewers ‘sobbing’ as beloved character killed off

Doctors and fans both grew attached to new patient Natalia in this week’s Grey’s Anatomy, but sadly it wasn’t long before viewers had to say goodbye after an unsuccessful procedure.

The latest season of Grey’s Anatomy is still finding its feet following the exit of long-time resident Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo) earlier this year. On Thursday night, ABC viewers tuned into one of the most emotional episodes of the season so far and were left reaching for the tissues when patient Natalia Asaki’s (Johanna Curé) condition grew worse and worse.

In the 10th episode of season 19, Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves, interns Lucas Adams (Niko Terho) and Benson Kwan (Harry Shum Jr) take on a strange below-the-belt surgical case.

Meanwhile, Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) was forced to get a second opinion as she watched cancer patient Natalia’s condition get worse and she started coughing up blood.

Last week, she had already been urged to divorce her husband Elliot (Rick Kumazawa) to alleviate him of her debts after she had gone.

Grey’s Anatomy: Fan-favourite patient Natalia passed away this week (Image: ABC)
Grey’s Anatomy: The residents watched Natalia’s final moments (Image: ABC)

Sadly, Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill) confirmed there was nothing left to be done other than to ease her pain in her final moments.

Already infamous for its many tear-jerker episodes, there wasn’t a dry eye amongst Grey’s Anatomy fans by the conclusion of this week’s tragic case.

@amyshepardess tweeted: “This show never fails to make me cry with these patient deaths. I’m sobbing.”

@ggreeneyes1975 wrote: “As always #GreysAnatomy  makes me cry. I feel a bit better after letting it out though.”

Grey’s Anatomy: Catherine reveals her own cancer has progressed (Image: ABC)
Grey’s Anatomy: Lucas treats a patient with a baffling penis condition (Image: ABC)

@GTion19 posted crying emojis and said: “Just let Natalia see the sunset one last time. Going to go sob into my pillow.”

“They are reaching deep down into my soul with Natalia’s story,” Nickie Mott added, posting a crying gif and three tearful emojis.

@Perezgirl_98 tweeted: “Natalia dying with her husband by her side is so heartbreaking.”

And @bry_tvfanatic said: “My heart. Natalia’s story was devastating but also beautiful.”

Many more fans have also expressed their tearful reactions to the episode with crying gifs and emojis.

With its blend of tragedy and romance, Natalia’s story could go down as one of the most emotional episodes of Grey’s Anatomy this season.

Thankfully, episode 10 wasn’t wall-to-wall heartbreak, as Lucas and Benson were in for an education when they treated Gerald (Robert Michael Lee), a patient with Peyronie’s disease.

The disease is a rare condition which affects the penis, and the interns were horrified to learn their new patient had “bone in his bone”.

Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) encouraged them to get their penis jokes out of the way before checking in, and fans were glad for the comedic break between this week’s saddest case.

Elsewhere, Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) finally reconciled with Teddy Altman (Kim Raver), and confirmed he was able to return to his post as chief of trauma after clearing evaluation.

However, there were also some last-minute tragic twists, as Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) revealed her own cancer had progressed, and it seems to be all over for Winston and Maggie.