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Grey’s Anatomy alum Isaiah Washington has been quietly mourning the loss of his wife, Jenisa Garland. On Oct. 4, the actor and director took to Instagram to announce the sad news, revealing that Garland died on June 9, 2025 – more than a year ago. 

“Yes…the rumors are true. My dear wife of 29 years collapsed suddenly on May 31, 2025 and passed away on June 9, 2025,” he captioned a photo of Garland. 

Washington, 63, revealed that his wife “succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered.”

RELATED CONTENT: The Rate Of Strokes Are Rising Among Young People — Here’s Why

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a hemorrhagic stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. The term hemorrhage refers to bleeding inside the body.

When this happens, the bleeding interferes with normal blood circulation in the brain, preventing brain tissue from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. The resulting pressure inside the brain can also damage or destroy brain cells, making immediate medical attention critical.

Survival rates vary depending on the type of hemorrhagic stroke, the patient’s age, the severity of the bleeding and how quickly treatment is received. Studies show that approximately 40% to 50% of patients survive the first 30 days, while reported five-year survival rates generally range from 26% to 38%, depending on individual circumstances.

Symptoms can vary, but potential warning signs include sudden, severe headaches, sensitivity to light, dizziness or vertigo, and difficulty speaking or understanding language, a condition known as aphasia. A sudden, unusually intense headache should never be dismissed, particularly when accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

Sadly, Black women face strokes at significantly higher rates, roughly double the stroke risk compared to white women.

Read more about the passing of Isaiah Washington’s wife after the flip.

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Washington used his platform to encourage others to pay attention to their health and seek medical attention when something feels wrong. He stressed that certain headaches may signal a more serious underlying condition rather than an ordinary headache or migraine.

“Listen, y’all…some headaches are not just headaches or migraines, they can be much worse and a warning sign,” the actor warned. “Get a brain scan if you can and take those headaches seriously. She has been gone 16 months now, but she left 3 incredibly amazing children behind to continue her legacy.”

His message serves as a reminder that recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and seeking emergency care can be critical. Anyone experiencing a sudden, severe headache or symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness, confusion or dizziness should seek immediate medical attention rather than wait for the symptoms to pass.

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Washington also offered insight into why he chose to keep Garland’s death private for more than a year. According to the actor, his decision reflected his wife’s preference to stay out of the public eye.

Explaining the delay, Washington said Jenisa Garland was “extremely private but I guess I just have to be reprimanded from her on the other side.”

Despite the time that has passed, Washington’s announcement offers a glimpse into the grief he has been navigating privately and the actor drove home an important message: listen to your body when something doesn’t feel right.

RELATED CONTENT: Why Young Black Women Are Facing ‘Old People’ Diseases, Like Stroke, Cancer, & High Blood Pressure