Why Daniel Kyri's Darren Ritter Was Missing in the Latest 'Chicago Fire' Episode

Daniel Kyri‘s Darren Ritter was notably absent in the latest episode of Chicago Fire this week.

The hit NBC series, which airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET, is currently airing Season 13, and notably did not feature Ritter in the latest episode on February 19, Episode 13 (“Born of Fire”).

And there is a reason!

Keep reading to find out more…

As it turns out, Ritter is on vacation.

Lyla “Lizzie” Novak (played by Jocelyn Hudon) revealed why Ritter was missing from Firehouse 51 towards the end of the episode.

“I heard Ritter called, like, a hundred times from his little mountain getaway,” she told Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) as they were discussing Violet’s drama in the episode.

“Yes, he did,” Violet said. “Okay, it’s very sweet for you all to worry, but really, I am fine.”

“Ritter may be gone, but the Firehouse 51 fan favorite will be back in action soon,” NBC promised in an update.

Daniel also spoke about Ritter’s plotline in Season 13 last year.

“What Ritter brings to the firehouse, his value there, how people see him, how they relate to him, and his value as a firefighter as well, all of those things are thrown into sharp relief [after Ritter got injured],” he explained to Us Weekly. “You see the ways I think in which folks really care about him and the ways in which seeing one of their own takes a hit affects them.”

The showrunner also addressed some potential drama and character returns in the upcoming episode.