Ben Gavin Exits ‘Beyond the Gates’ as Derek Baldwin Dies in the OR; But Who Will Be Revealed as ‘The Impaler?’
Beyond the Gates said goodbye to one of its original cast members on its Wednesday, May 20 episode when Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) dies in the operating room after being fatally shot saving the life of Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso).
Derek’s death will have lasting ramifications because Grayson feels it was all his fault that Derek followed him to the warehouse where danger was lurking. However, Jacob said if it wasn’t for Derek’s quick move they would have both wound up dead. Still looming is who is “The Impaler” that is in charge of this entire illegal blood plasma ring? Today’s emotional episode featured Ben’s former girlfriend, Ashley (Jen Jacob) becoming emotionally-wrecked after learning Derek had died.
In an exit interview with TV Insider, actor Ben Gavin explained what went down when he learned Derek was going to meet his maker back in December of 2025. “It was definitely a shocker. They made it pretty clear this was something that they needed, and for the sake of the story, it couldn’t just be anyone. It had to be someone that they started to really care about to hook the audience, and I understood that.”
DEREK WAS KILLED-OFF DUE TO THE GREATER GOOD OF THE STORY
As it turns out, Beyond the Gates executive producer, Julie Carruthers informed Gavin that he was going to die a hero. “And Derek’s got a hero complex, so it’s only fitting,” agreed Ben. “I get the nature of it, but it didn’t make it any less difficult to swallow.”
Derek’s last scene was with the love of his life, Ashley. It’s one Gavin will always remember, sharing, “The very last shot I did was where I tell Ashley to not be afraid and that I love her. They really took their time with it, which I appreciate, because there are not many opportunities on a soap where we can really take our time with moments; it’s run and gun. So, I’m lying on this gurney, and I’m going through all the mental stuff before the shot, and then nothing’s happening, and I’m kind of like, ‘Alright, let’s do this.’ And then everyone came out onto the stage, and they said, ‘You’re wrapped.’”
Now the question is, how will Ashley and Grayson move forward in their relationship knowing that Derek died saving Grayson and Jacob? And we still need to learn the identify of “The Impaler.” Who do you think it could be?
