Jimmy Palmer’s Wife’s Off-Screen Death, Explained

Since Brian Dietzen became a series regular on NCIS in 2012, at the beginning of Season 10, Dietzen’s character, medical examiner Jimmy Palmer, has become an increasingly prominent figure in the series. Dietzen is one of only two cast members, along with Sean Murray, who have appeared in each of the show’s 22 seasons. Palmer originally served as the assistant to the venerable Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by David McCallum, before becoming the NCIS chief medical examiner in 2019, in Season 16, when Ducky left the position and assumed the newfound position of NCIS historian.

Dietzen and Palmer’s seniority on NCIS intensified in the Season 21 premiere, which ends with NCIS Special Agent Alden Parker receiving a call from a distressed Palmer, who informs him that Ducky died in his sleep. The ensuing episode opens with Palmer entering Ducky’s house and then Ducky’s bedroom, where Palmer solemnly watches over Ducky’s dead body.

Ducky’s death, which happened in the series due to the real-life passing of David McCallum, represents just the latest devastating personal loss for Palmer, who previously lost his wife, Breena Palmer, in Season 18. However, the news of Ducky’s death was foreshadowed by the announcement of McCallum’s death on September 25, 2023. Breena’s death came as a total shock, especially since it happened off-screen. Moreover, the circumstances of Breena’s death prevented Palmer from being with her before she died.

‘NCIS’ Shocked Viewers With Jimmy Palmer’s Wife’s Death

CBS

Jimmy Palmer’s wife, Breena, played by Michelle Pierce, only appeared in seven episodes of NCIS over the course of 13 seasons. As such, Breena’s death didn’t have nearly the same emotional impact on viewers as the previous deaths and departures, and was not comparable to Mark Harmon’s abrupt exit from NCIS or the previously mentioned passing of Ducky. For NCIS, Breena’s death allowed the show to address much of the loss many faced in real life due to the COVID-19 pandemic without losing a core NCIS character. The show’s producers and writers also felt that the loss of Palmer’s wife would serve to drive his story forward.

In the Season 18 episode “The First Day,” it’s revealed that Breena died from COVID-related complications in December 2020. Due to COVID restrictions, Palmer wasn’t allowed to see Breena before she died and was only able to communicate with her through video calls before her death. While Palmer seemingly maintains his trademark cheerful attitude throughout most of the episode, he breaks down in front of Gibbs, who can especially relate to Palmer’s feelings of loss.

Breena made her first appearance in the show’s seventh season, in which she is introduced as a mortician whom Palmer starts dating. In the Season 8 finale, Jimmy reveals that he and Breena are getting married. On February 3, 2015, Breena, whom Jimmy married in May 2012, gave birth to the couple’s first and only child, daughter Victoria, who is named after Ducky’s deceased mother.

Breena Palmer’s Death Had Lasting Effects in ‘NCIS’

Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer across from his daughter in the 'NCIS' episode "The Helpers"

Brian Dietzen’s dedication to the series is evident in his co-writing of multiple episodes over the past four seasons and in his choice to expand on Breena’s lasting impact on Jimmy. His increased involvement with the production as writer began with the Season 19 episode “The Helpers,” in which Jimmy is reunited with his deceased wife, Breena, in the afterlife.

In this episode, Jimmy and forensic scientist Kasie are trapped in isolation after being exposed to a deadly toxin that threatens to kill them unless they receive an antidote. As Jimmy becomes gripped by the toxin’s effects, his mind transports him to an idyllic field, where he seems to be reunited with Breena. Breena’s appearance allows Jimmy and viewers to experience the emotional farewell between the couple that was previously denied.

By reuniting with Breena, even within a dreamlike setting, Jimmy can come to terms with her death. While Jimmy reminisces with Breena about their time together, she encourages him to stop living in sadness and instead build a life without her. Following Breena’s advice, Jimmy removes his wedding band, symbolizing his need to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past, and finally deal with his grief.

The episode is also notable for the appearance of Jimmy’s daughter, Victoria, who is understandably terrified that the toxin will kill Jimmy and result in the absence of both of her parents. In a powerful scene, a weakened Jimmy tells Victoria that everyone eventually dies, and that death is entirely secondary to how people live their lives.

Palmer Tried To Move on From Breena, But Could Not Escape the Past

In Season 20 of NCIS, Jimmy Palmer began a romance with Special Agent Jessica Knight, played by Katrina Law. However, across Seasons 20 and 21, their relationship was complicated by Jessica’s career ambitions, as she aspired to rise through the ranks. In the Season 21 finale, NCIS Director Leon Vance offers Knight her dream job as a training officer at Camp Pendleton, leaving their relationship in limbo.

While Knight tries to convince Jimmy that they can maintain a long-distance relationship, Jimmy tells Knight they should go their separate ways, encouraging Knight to take the job. After being later convinced by colleague and friend Kasie not to let go of Knight, a frazzled Jimmy attempts to call Knight, unaware that Knight is locked inside a sinking Navy ship.

While the Season 21 finale leaves their relationship open-ended, Season 22 confirms that Jimmy and Knight have officially broken up. Ultimately, the tension between Jessica’s ambitions and Jimmy’s emotional needs proved too tricky for the two to navigate, and they were unable to build a meaningful relationship. Arguably, Jimmy’s past heartbreak with Breena made it even harder for him to compromise on his need for emotional stability and security.

Where To Watch ‘NCIS’

Having recently entered its 23rd season in October 2025, NCIS remains a powerhouse of network television. The mainline series has also spawned multiple spin-offs, including the new fan favorite NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which is already renewed for Season 2. There is certainly no shortage of content for NCIS fans to dive into for the first time or revisit, but if you are solely interested in the mainline series, there are options to stream all 23 seasons. You can stream all seasons of NCIS on Paramount+.