<Li> Damian, portrayed by Paul Wesley, is Bridget's ex-boyfriend . He appeared in two episodes . </Li> <Li> Lacey / Lacy, portrayed by Kala Savage (2003--2004), a sometimes friend of Bridget, appeared in three episodes . </Li> <P> The first three episodes of the series' second season had been completed when Ritter experienced discomfort during a rehearsal on the afternoon of September 11, 2003 . Crew members took him to a nearby hospital, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was misdiagnosed as having a heart attack and as a result, his condition had worsened when physicians later diagnosed him with an aortic dissection, and he died that evening at the age of 54 . Following Ritter's death, ABC announced that 8 Simple Rules would continue after a hiatus, and would incorporate the death of his character . The three new episodes that Ritter completed were aired with Sagal introducing them . </P> <P> 8 Simple Rules returned two months after Ritter's death with a one - hour episode, "Goodbye", which was turned into a tribute to Ritter's character . Subsequent episodes dealt with the family's reaction to his death and how they moved on from it . The first four post-Ritter episodes were shot without a live audience with James Garner and Suzanne Pleshette guest - starring as Cate's strict parents and David Spade guest - starring as Cate's wayward nephew, C.J. Barnes . Garner and Spade later received starring roles in order to fill the void left by Ritter for the remainder of the series' run . </P>

Why did they kill the dad in 8 simple rules
find me the text answering this question