Lucas Black's Unexpected Exit from 'NCIS: New Orleans' May Have Been Because of Personal Reasons

Fans of "NCIS: New Orleans" were shocked when Lucas Black's character, Christopher LaSalle, was killed off in season 6.

On Twitter, the actor thanked his fans for supporting him throughout his stint in the popular show.

"You were there to celebrate the victories and to pick me up when I need it. And I appreciate that," he said.

In the episode "Matthew 5:9," Special Agent Christopher Lasalle tracks down the drug ring in Alabama that he believes is responsible for the murder of his brother, Cade, as shared by TV Line.

He bumps into a young woman, Sue-Anne Hughes, who then leads him to the cabin where his brother had been killed.

As he looks at the blood-stained floor, a gunman barges in through a back door and took aim at Sue-Anne. In a heroic move, Lasalle pushes her out of harm’s way and charges the shooter.

He is shot several times, suffering multiple wounds to the abdomen and his right arm.

MIXED FEELINGS OVER HIS DEPARTURE

Black first appeared on the show in 2014, when it was a two-part backdoor pilot episode of "NCIS."

Showrunners Christopher Silber and Jan Nash said they had mixed feelings over the death of Black's role.

"We had an amazing run with Lucas Black and he has been such an important part of our NCIS: New Orleans team. We are sad to see him go, but happy he will have more time to spend with his family," they said in a statement.

Black earlier opened up about his desire to shift his focus in life, as reported by Country Living.

He said that the show exceeded his expectations and goals, but that he had to sacrifice some priorities in life for the job. He said that it’s time for him to focus on his main priorities.

AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY

On Twitter, Black said he was honored to play the character of a law enforcer.

"I want to say what an honor it was to play the character," he said, adding that he has even higher respect now for people working in the military and law enforcement.

"Chapter has ended. What a journey it was. Thank you guys so much," he said at the end of his message.

Off-screen, Black is a doting father and loving husband. The actor is married to lawyer Maggie O’Brien.

They share three children together. They also work together as O'Brien is in charge of Lucas's contract negotiations.