Characterized by Rhimes as a dork with issues expressing her feelings, Lexie's focal storyline in the series involved her on-again, off-again relationship with plastics attending Mark Sloan (Eric Dane). The pair sustained fatal injuries during an aviation accident in the eighth-season finale, and Seattle Grace Mercy West is subsequently renamed Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital in their memory. Following their deaths, Rhimes mused regarding the couple's romance: '...he and Lexie get to be together in a way. Their love remains true." The reason given for Lexie's departure after over five years on the show was Leigh's desire to spend more time with her family.