Fans of the hit NBC drama Chicago Fire may have been alarmed by a recent headline circulating online claiming that “Fire Station 51 flies flags at half-mast” following the “passing” of star David Eigenberg. However, after careful review of the source and official news outlets, it can be confirmed that these reports are entirely false. David Eigenberg, who portrays the beloved Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann, is alive and continuing his work on the series.

The article in question appears to use a “clickbait” headline—a common tactic where a shocking title is used to drive traffic, even if the content of the article does not support the claim. Upon reading the full text of the article provided, the content actually discusses the upcoming scheduling changes for Chicago Fire and the One Chicago franchise due to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Truth Behind the “Grief” and Scheduling Changes

The “immeasurable grief” and “half-mast” imagery used in the headline seems to be a metaphorical (and highly misleading) way of describing the temporary absence of the show from the television schedule. According to the article:

• Hiatus for the Olympics: Like many NBC scripted shows, Chicago Fire will be taking a lengthy break starting in February 2026 to make room for the network’s extensive coverage of the Winter Olympics.

• February 4th Episode: The only new episode to air in February was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4th. Following that, the show will be off the air for a full month.

• Return Date: Fans can expect Chicago Fire to return to its usual timeslot on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026.

What to Expect When the Show Returns

When Chicago Fire makes its highly anticipated return in March, it won’t be coming back quietly. The article notes that the series will return with a massive One Chicago crossover event. This three-hour special will link Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. into one continuous narrative, effectively serving as a “three-hour movie” for fans of the franchise.

The event will involve a special timeslot shuffle, with Chicago Fire moving to the 8 p.m. ET/PT slot to kick off the emergency storyline, followed by the other two shows to resolve the crisis.

Why Do These Rumors Happen?

Celebrity “death hoaxes” often target actors from popular long-running shows to generate clicks and advertising revenue for smaller news blogs. These headlines are designed to provoke an emotional reaction from fans. In this case, the headline sensationalized a routine broadcast hiatus by using language typically reserved for a real-life tragedy.

David Eigenberg remains a staple of the Firehouse 51 family. Fans who are missing their weekly dose of Christopher Herrmann during the Olympic break can still stream past episodes on Peacock. As of now, Eigenberg is healthy, active, and slated to appear in the second half of the current season.

Always be sure to verify shocking celebrity news through reputable, major news organizations before sharing, as headlines on social media are frequently misleading.