How Old Was Derek When He Died?

The instant that Meredith realizes in Season 1 that her hookup Derek is actually a prominent surgeon at her new hospital, she also surmises that she's going to have a tough time at work. In fact, the professional and personal gap between her and Derek causes loads of tension and dramatic irony throughout the season, especially once Meredith realizes that Derek is also married. The two characters' age gap also means that their careers later proceed at different timelines.

Of course, Meredith eventually moves on from the trauma of losing Derek and pairs up with a handsome transplant surgeon named Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman). Helpfully, Marsh is also closer to Meredith in terms of age and experience. That doesn't mean that the two avoid drama, though: It's still up in the air as to whether the two will reunite — or split up for good — in the Season 19 finale. What is clear is that Meredith is now the one in the relationship who's acting older and wiser.