Deaths on "Supernatural" aren't always permanent, but at least one of the characters killed off in the brutal Season 12 finale might be gone forever.

Less than a week after fans saw Mark Sheppard's character, Crowley, sacrifice his life, the now-former series regular posted a goodbye message. In an Instagram post Tuesday, he thanked his "Supernatural" family "for the ride" and said it was "time for something new." Cue the tears.

All in all, his tone was somber, making fans all the more sad to see him go, if the post's comments are any indication. "Supernatural" loyalists were quick to let the actor know that they'd miss him, wish him the best, and thank him for his work over the years. Sheppard had been a series regular since Season 10, but his time on the show dates back to Season 5, when Crowley was introduced as a recurring character.

While there is always hope that Sheppard could return in some capacity, fans will have to get used to the series without him in the meantime. The show will go on when Season 13 premieres this fall.

[via: Mark Sheppard/Instagram; h/t: Deadline]