full size Jackson in a Suit on Grey's Anatomy Season 8, Episode 21
Credit: Richard Cartwright/ ABC

There was one thing on every Grey's Anatomy fan's mind after the Season 8 finale (Season 8, Episode 24, "Flight"): What happens now that Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) is dead? We're sure her tragic demise will impact the entire cast, but we're most curious about the people who were closest to her — including Jackson (Jesse Williams).

Sure, Jackson and Lexie's relationship was clearly over before Season 8, Episode 24, "Flight," but she still meant a lot to him, and we imagine her death will have a big impact on him. We'll have to wait until the show comes back to know what he will do, but for now, here are our thoughts on how he might be impacted by his ex's death.

Trauma and his budding relationship: Jesse Williams has said that Jackson will be "traumatized to a degree" by Lexie's death. He also hinted that "my friend/girlfriend is obviously going to have to deal with me losing someone that I was intimate with, and me and her, we haven't really figured out what we're going to do yet.” By his friend/girlfriend, we kind of assume he means April (Sarah Drew). But even if he somehow has a new love interest, it seems clear that trying to figure out a new relationship while dealing with his loss is going to pose problems for Jackson.

And what about Mark? Jackson and Mark's (Eric Dane) close mentor-mentee relationship was one of our favorite things about Season 8, and we'll be interested to see how the loss of Lexie affects them. We could see Mark turning to Jackson for support because they are so close — plus, they've both had the experience of being in a relationship with Lexie. While she wasn't Jackson's one true love, he still might understand what Mark is going through in a way other people can't.

Will it be what keeps him in Seattle? Remember, Jackson is supposed to be leaving the city to go pursue his career in the big wide world. We wonder if Lexie's death will change his mind, either because he wants to be around his friends (and especially April) for support, or because he wants to stay to help Mark.

How do you think Lexie's death will affect Jackson? Let us know in the comments below!

Miss Grey’s? Us too. Luckily the show will return to Thursdays at 9 p.m. with all-new episodes in the fall on ABC.

Rebecca Martin is an editor at Wetpaint Entertainment. Follow her on Twitter @BeccaMartin47.

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