Farewell, Ty: Why Graham Wardle Left Heartland After 14 Seasons

Season 15 of the fan-favorite drama series Heartland is finally about to premiere on US Netflix, having originally aired its finale for domestic audiences all the way back in December 2021.

Whilst fans around the world are counting down to Amy’s next chapter, many are still trying to come to terms with the tragic death of Ty Borden in season 14 of the popular TV series; played by the lovable Graham Wardle.

So, why did Graham Wardle leave Heartland, and if you need a quick recap; how did Ty Borden die in season 14?

Why did Graham Wardle leave Heartland?

Graham Wardle left the cast of Heartland because he felt that it was the right time to close that chapter of his career on the series and was ready to start afresh with a new challenge.

Speaking on the Heartland YouTube channel, the fan-favorite actor revealed that “After being a part of Heartland for 13 years, this show has really been a blessing and a gift in my life and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to grow and to collaborate with so many other creative people – it’s been a beautiful chapter in my life.”

Wardle shared how he had been “feeling this call to move on” from Heartland for some time, and that he had “been trying to bargain with it” prior to leaving the show after the season 13 finale.

“I have spent a few years now contemplating and trying to figure out how to honor myself and make this transition and honor the show. So, it’s been a long process; the long and short of it is that I’m following my heart and I don’t know where it’s leading me, but that’s what life is about.”

The 36-year-old also acknowledged that both he and his character had reached a “tipping point internally” and that “once you reach that point, you can’t turn back.”

“I feel very grateful and blessed that they [the Heartland production team] have worked with me to create this transition away that honors all parties involved. It’s a very, very challenging thing to do when you are trying to maintain a level of authenticity and life force of these characters of this story while dealing with all the changing world, the different people and personalities that are part of it.”

Wardle first appeared on the show in 2007 at the age of 21. He is yet to star in any major TV or movie projects since leaving Heartland in 2021.

How and why did TY Borden die in season 14?

Ty Borden died in season 14 episode 1 of Heartland from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after a blood clot formed and spread through his body, following being shot in the season 13 finale.

In Heartland season 13 episode 10, Amy and Ty were on their way to the construction site when they spot a wolf heading towards them.

Unfortunately, someone else was also watching the wolf and seeing it head towards the two ranchers, missed their warning shot, and accidentally hit Amy in the shoulder and Ty in the side.

Whilst the two manage to get treatment at the local hospital and unbeknownst at the time, Ty had developed a blood clot from the gunshot wound that would slowly begin to move around his body’s circulatory system.

While stabling one of the ranch’s horses, Ty collapsed to the floor with Amy and Jack rushing to his side, but he is already unresponsive.

The episode cuts to black and then flashes forward one year, we watch Amy and Co still trying to come to terms with the tragic loss; it’s revealed then by a doctor that Ty died as a result of DVT.

Heartland season 15 arrives on US Netflix on May 31, 2023, with season 16 having wrapped up on the Canadian television network CBC earlier this year – season 17 has already been confirmed to be in production.