The Unexpected Death of Ned Dorneget on NCIS

NCIS is no stranger to heartbreaking character deaths, but one in particular still has fans scratching their heads—Ned Dorneget’s exit. Many consider it one of the most unnecessary and frustrating deaths in the series. But why did the show kill him off, and how did the actor feel about it?

Let’s break it all down.

Who Was Ned Dorneget on NCIS?

Ned Dorneget, played by Matt Jones, was an NCIS Special Agent who had a recurring role in the show. He wasn’t a major character, but he was a fan-favorite thanks to his quirky personality and eagerness to prove himself.

Dorneget’s Journey on NCIS

• First appeared in Season 9, Episode 10 (“Sins of the Father”)
• Was a cyber specialist, making him different from most field agents
• Brought a comedic touch to the otherwise serious NCIS team
• Had aspirations to be a great agent like Gibbs and McGee

He may not have been around as much as other characters, but he made a lasting impact on fans.

The Shocking Way Ned Dorneget Was Killed Off

Dorneget’s death happened in Season 12, Episode 23 (“The Lost Boys”), and it was brutal.

How Did Ned Dorneget Die?

• Dorneget was in Egypt on a mission to track down a dangerous terrorist group known as The Calling.
• While investigating, a bomb exploded in his hotel, and he was killed in the blast.
• His final moments were agonizing, and fans were left completely stunned.

This wasn’t just another case of a character leaving the show—it felt totally unnecessary and forced.

Why Did NCIS Kill Off Ned Dorneget?

Fans have debated this question ever since it happened.

Was It Just for Shock Value?

Many believe Dorneget’s death was a cheap way to add emotional weight to the storyline. The Calling was a dangerous terrorist group, and the show wanted to prove how serious the threat was—but did they really need to sacrifice a beloved character to do it?

Did The Actor Want to Leave?

Unlike other NCIS exits, there was no clear sign that Matt Jones wanted to leave the show. He had a growing career outside of NCIS, appearing in shows like Breaking Bad and Mom, but there was no public statement about him wanting to exit.

Could Dorneget Have Had a Bigger Role?

Absolutely! His cyber expertise made him unique, and he could have fit right in with the team’s growing reliance on technology. Instead, they wrote him off in one of the most frustrating ways possible.

How Fans Reacted to Dorneget’s Death

Fans didn’t take this well, and social media exploded with reactions.

Why Were Fans So Upset?

• Dorneget was finally getting character development, and then he was gone.
• His death felt like a lazy way to create drama.
• The loss of such a positive and fun character left a hole in the show.

Was It One of NCIS’s Worst Deaths?

Many believe so. While NCIS has had plenty of tragic deaths (like Kate Todd, Jenny Shepard, and Ziva David—though Ziva later returned), Dorneget’s death felt cheap compared to others.

How The Actor, Matt Jones, Felt About Dorneget’s Death

Matt Jones has never publicly spoken about being unhappy with the decision, but it’s clear that his character’s death wasn’t handled well.

Could He Ever Return?

Unfortunately, no. Unlike Ziva’s fake-out death, Dorneget’s was final—there’s no chance of a surprise return.

Did Matt Jones Move on to Bigger Roles?

Yes! After NCIS, Jones had a successful run on the sitcom Mom, continued voice work in animation, and appeared in various TV shows and films.

NCIS Has a History of Killing Off Fan-Favorite Characters

Dorneget isn’t the only character to be axed in a way that frustrated fans.

Other Shocking NCIS Deaths Include:

• Caitlin “Kate” Todd – Shot in the head by Ari in a shocking season finale.
• Jenny Shepard – Died in a shootout instead of getting a proper farewell.
• Ziva David – Killed off-screen (but later revealed to be alive).
• Jackson Gibbs (Gibbs’ Father) – Passed away suddenly, breaking fans’ hearts.

The show has a history of pulling the rug out from under viewers, and Dorneget’s death was just another example.

Did NCIS Make a Mistake Killing Off Ned Dorneget?

What Did His Death Really Accomplish?

Not much. The Calling remained a threat, and while his death did motivate the team, it felt unnecessary.

Would The Show Have Been Better If He Stayed?

Many fans believe so. His cyber skills could have been invaluable, and he brought comic relief that balanced the heavy tone of the show.

Final Thoughts: Was Killing Off Ned Dorneget a Bad Move?

In short—yes. His death felt like a wasted opportunity, and fans still aren’t over it. While NCIS is known for shocking moments, this one just didn’t sit right.