For years, Chicago P.D. has been known for its intense action sequences, emotional storytelling, and the tight-knit bond of its cast. But even the most seasoned professionals face moments that test their limits — and according to Tracy Spiridakos, one such moment recently unfolded behind the scenes of the long-running NBC drama.
In a recent interview, the actress — who portrayed Detective Hailey Upton for seven seasons before exiting in Season 11 — opened up about a shocking behind-the-scenes incident that the production team managed to keep secret until now. “It was one of those moments where everything just stopped,” Spiridakos recalled. “We were in the middle of filming a really physically demanding scene, and then suddenly, the director got hurt. It was a freak accident.”
According to sources close to the production, the incident occurred during the shooting of one of Season 11’s later episodes, when the crew was working on a high-intensity chase sequence. Spiridakos explained that while the stunt team was fully prepared and safety measures were in place, a camera rig malfunction led to the director suffering a serious injury. “It was terrifying,” she said. “Everyone froze. You never expect something like that to happen, especially with such an experienced team.”
Production was immediately halted as medical personnel rushed in to assist. “The crew did exactly what they were trained to do,” Spiridakos shared. “We took a break, made sure everyone was safe, and didn’t resume until we knew the director was being taken care of. The atmosphere shifted instantly — we were all shaken.”
NBC and Wolf Entertainment reportedly chose not to publicize the accident at the time, opting instead to quietly pause filming for several days while the crew recovered and safety checks were conducted. “The network handled it with such care,” Spiridakos noted. “They didn’t want to cause unnecessary concern or sensationalize what happened. It was about protecting the people involved.”
While the director’s identity has not been officially disclosed, Spiridakos confirmed that he is now recovering and “in good spirits.” The actress praised the Chicago P.D. team for coming together in the aftermath. “That’s the thing about this cast and crew — they’re family,” she said. “When something like this happens, you realize how much love and respect there is on set. We support each other, on screen and off.”
This revelation comes as Spiridakos continues to move forward in her own career after departing Chicago P.D. earlier this year. Her character, Hailey Upton, was written out of the show as she decided to leave Chicago in search of a new beginning. “It felt like the right time,” the actress said at the time of her exit. “I’m incredibly proud of the journey we took Hailey on.”
Since then, Spiridakos has wrapped filming on her next major project — After, an upcoming thriller written and directed by Michael Marantz. The movie, shot in western Massachusetts, features an ensemble cast and marks a new creative chapter for the Canadian actress. “It was such a different experience,” she shared. “I went from chasing criminals in Chicago to exploring psychological suspense in this haunting, emotional film. It reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place.”
Although she’s stepped away from the Intelligence Unit for now, Spiridakos admits that part of her heart will always remain in Chicago. “That show, those people — they’re family,” she said. “Even when you move on, you carry them with you.”
With After awaiting a release date and the Chicago P.D. crew back in action, fans can rest assured that both the director and the show are on the road to recovery — and that Tracy Spiridakos’s next chapter promises just as much passion and strength as the detective she brought to life.
