<Tr> <Th> Relatives </Th> <Td> Derek Shepherd (brother in - law, deceased) Zola Grey Shepherd (half - niece) Derek Bailey Shepherd (half - nephew) Ellis Shepherd (half - niece) Laura Thompson (niece) </Td> </Tr> <P> Alexandra Caroline "Lexie" Grey, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on ABC in the United States . The character was created by series' producer Shonda Rhimes and was portrayed by actress Chyler Leigh from the third through eighth seasons . She was introduced as a surgical intern in season three . Serving as Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo)'s half sister, she transferred to the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, after her mother's sudden death . Eventually named a surgical resident, the character was originally contracted to appear for a multi-episode story arc, but received star billing in the fourth season . </P> <P> The character's focal storyline involved a romantic relationship with plastic surgeon Mark Sloan (Eric Dane). She sustained life - threatening injuries after an aviation accident, in the eighth - season finale, which ultimately ended in her death . The character's death resulted in mixed critical feedback and the reason given for the departure was Leigh's desire to spend more time with her family . Rhimes has characterized Lexie as being a dork, as well as having issues with saying how she feels . Leigh has been moderately well received by critics, and was among the cast to receive a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2007 . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (March 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

When does lexi die in grey's anatomy