History TearJerker / HellsKitchen

* Curtis's elimination is heartbreaking. While he was [[TheLoad]] on service that night, he was not only not nominated for elimination, but was put on a station that he knew he was weak on. His exit interview sees him absolutely crushed and tearing up, apologizing for letting his family down.

* In late November 2019, Season 4 runner-up Petrozza passed away due to cancer. To say fans were devastated is an understatement.

** Luckily, with Season 18 (Rookies vs. Veterans), [[MyGreatestSecondChance Bret is finally getting another shot at the title]].

* In late November 2019, Season 4 runner-up Petrozza passed away due to cancer.

* In late November 2019, Season 4 runner-up Petrozza passed away.

* Robyn and Jennifer tearing up during the end of the black jackets challenge in Season 17. It's clear that the two respect each other as chefs and did not want to see the other get eliminated.

** Luckily, with Season 18, [[MyGreatestSecondChance Bret is finally getting another shot at the title]].

* In Season 17, Ben (previously on Season 5, not to be confused with Benjamin previously on Season 7) reveals that he had been diagnosed with diabetes, and nearly falls on the floor during the first dinner service until Jared catches him. He gets eliminated that night even though his team won the service, with Chef Ramsay suggesting that his health could be a liability further down the competition. Give Ben credit for stating in his exit interview that he felt it was the right decision.

* Chris' departure in Season 18. He already revealed in the beginning that he suffered a massive accident to the head that caused him trauma, and was starting to go back into a dark place he once was in nine months ago. Not even him being the key factor that helped the red team won the challenge was able to break that, and it led to him making the ultimate decision to walk out. When Ramsay announced it to everybody before service, you can see how shocked and saddened they were by that news.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS2rmyYAadw Nilka's ejection]] as a whole, in season 7. After repeatedly messing up, Ramsay is finally fed up enough to force her out, but she refuses to give up to the point that she becomes a detriment to the work of the remaining team. Compounded by Ramsay's tonal reversal when he personally wishes her well as she truly leaves the studio.

* Jessica's elimination in season 12, she has a complete mental breakdown and begs not be kicked-off the show, even with her mistakes it's really hard to watch and not feel sorry for her.

* In season sixteen, the Blue Team teaming up to bully various members of the Red Team in hopes the stress would lead to them messing up and getting eliminated, and outright bragging about who the plan to go after next.
** Also in season sixteen, Paulie meeting up with his parents. While he isn't the most well-liked contestant on the show, knowing that he would pass away only a few months after the episode aired really hurts.

* Anything involving [[TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth Aaron Song]] since his death in 2010, especially his brief appearance in season 4.
* Two people from Season Two are no longer with us. Rachel shot herself in 2007, and Keith drowned in 2012. Even worse if you remember how close they were to Heather. She must have been devastated.

* In late November 2019, Season 4 runner up f passed away.

* In late November 2019, Season 4 runner up Petrozza passed away.

* Season 11 Finale. When it was revealed that Ja'Nel was the winner, Mary is crying because while she wants to be happy for Ja'Nel's success, it's a bitter pill to swallow. To twist this moment even further, Dan (who was acting like a total jerk throughout prep and who slowed down dinner service to the point that Mary had to kick him out) [[PetTheDog goes to Mary and hugs her]], apologizes for his behavior and promises to make it up to her someday. Question, Dan: Where was that kind side of you throughout the season?!

* Chris' departure in Season 18. He already revealed in the beginning that he suffered a massive accident to the head that caused him trauma, and was starting to go back into a dark place he once was nine months ago. Not even him being the key factor that the red team won the challenge was able to break that, and it led to him making the ultimate decision to walk out. When Ramsay announced it to everybody before service, you can see how shocked and saddened they were by that news.

* Chris' departure in Season 18. He already revealed in the beginning that he suffered a massive accident to the head that caused him trauma, and was starting to go back into a dark place he once was nine months ago. Not even him being the key factor that the red team won the challenge was able to break that, and it led to him making the ultimate decision to walk out. When Ramsay announced it to everybody before service, you can see how shocked and sadden they were by that news.

** And twisting the elimination further, just rewatch Julia's [[TearsOfJoh expression]] as she is announced the winner of the first Black Jackets Challenge, having struggled with Tiffany and Joanna's bullying in the first episode and her struggles to keep up with her more formally trained competitors...and then remember that she's going to be eliminated at the end of that episode.

* Anything involving [[TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth Aaron Song]] since his death in 2010, especially his brief appearance in season 4.
** Two people from Season Two are no longer with us. Rachel shot herself in 2007, and Keith drowned in 2012.
*** Even worse if you remember how close they were to Heather. She must have been devastated.
** In spring 2017, Paulie from Season 16 passed away from an accidental drug overdose. Even if people didn't like him, his death is still very tragic.
** Jessica from Season 12 tragically passed away due to liver failure in the summer of 2018.

* Season 9's Paul revealing that he was on Hell's Kitchen for his mother, who apparently died not long before he was on the show. [[spoiler: Watch the finale, and [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming try not to cry when he wins]].]]