Chyler Leigh, Kim Raver Leave Grey's Anatomy

USMagazine, Friday, May 18, 2012, 7:45am (PDT)

Say it isn't so!

Two Grey's Anatomy stars had their final episodes on Thursday night.

Creator Shonda Rhimes warned fans in an extra long tweet Thursday night that they would not be happy with the season eight finale -- explaining that actresses Chyler Leigh and Kim Raver had been written off the series.

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"Okay. Callie said it best tonight: Life changes in an instant. Turns on a dime." she wrote. "This finale was incredibly hard to write. I did not enjoy it. It made me sick and it made me sad. We end the season not knowing anything about the future. Except for two things. We know we are definitely saying goodbye to two of my favorite people: Chyler Leigh (Lexie) and Kim Raver (Teddy)."

Indeed, during the episode, Leigh and Raver made their exit -- via death and job changes. Following the devastating plane crash, Lexie's body was crushed under the wreckage and she died after an emotional farewell to Mark (Eric Dane). Teddy was fired by Owen in order for her to accept a position at a military hospital.

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"I know this season's finale had some surprises for viewers and the exit of Kim Raver was one of the big ones," Rhimes continued. "But Kim's series option was up and she was ready to give Teddy Altman a much-needed vacation. It's been a pleasure working with someone as talented and funny and kind as Kim; everyone is going to miss her terribly. I like to imagine that Teddy is still out there in the Grey's Anatomy universe, running Army Medical Command and building a new life."

"I love Chyler and I love the character of Lexie Grey," she added. "She was an important member of my Grey's family. This was not an easy decision. But it was a decision that Chyler and I came to together. We had a lot of thoughtful discussion about it and ultimately we both decided this was the right time for her character's journey to end. As far as I'm concerned Chyler will always remain a part of the Shondaland family and I can't wait to work with her again in the future."

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And Rhimes is just as sad as fans about the decision.

"I'd write more but I'm honestly too sad," the creator wrote. "I don't like life changing in an instant and turning on a dime. Thanks for watching Season Eight. We are, as always, grateful that you joined us for the ride."

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Raver took to her own Twitter account to write a personal farewell. "I've had one of the best times of my creative career working on Grey's with Shonda, Betsy and the best cast on Television," she tweeted. "I feel fortunate and grateful to have worked with such an amazing team at GA. i am going to miss everyone!! And to the GA fans, you guys rock! I am sure S9 will be great!"

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This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Chyler Leigh, Kim Raver Leave Grey's Anatomy