<P> The remaining surgeons are rescued from the woods days later, and Lexie's body is returned to Seattle . Weeks later, a traumatized Cristina reminisces to Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) about her time in the woods, telling him that she had fought with wild animals to keep them away from Lexie's body . Weeks after the crash, Meredith comes across a young girl presenting with injuries identical to Lexie's, and tirelessly works to save the girls life, with the experience eventually causing her to come to terms with her sister's death . Despite making it home from the woods, Mark later died from the injuries he sustained in the crash . When the survivors of the plane crash pool their compensation money to purchase the hospital, they agree to rename the hospital to "Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital" in tribute to Lexie and Mark . </P> <P> Leigh on her early days at Grey's Anatomy </P> <P> Leigh first appeared on the show during the last two episodes of the third season as Meredith's half - sister, Lexie Grey . Following Isaiah Washington's departure who portrayed Preston Burke, it was reported that show's executives were planning on adding new cast members, such as Lexie . She was officially upgraded to a series' regular on July 11, 2007, for the fourth season . On casting Chyler Leigh as Lexie, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes said: "We met with a lot of young actresses, but Chyler stood out--she had a quality that felt right and real to me . It felt like she could be Meredith's sister, but she had a depth that was very interesting ." </P> <P> In September 2011, Leigh requested an extended summer hiatus to spend more time with her family . This was granted by Rhimes, though the actress returned in mid-October . Leigh's character died in the eighth - season finale . In May 2012, Rhimes revealed why she decided to have Lexie die: "I love Chyler and I love the character of Lexie Grey . 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 ." Following the death of her character, Leigh released a statement saying: </P>

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