Isaiah Washington is opening up about a devastating chapter in his life.

More than a year after the Grey’s Anatomy alum’s wife Jenisa Garland died, he shared insight into her weeklong health battle after collapsing suddenly in May 2025.

“It came as a huge shock to me and our entire family,” Washington captioned his Oct. 3 Instagram post, which included a photo of Garland. “She succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered.”

The actor—who shares kids Isaiah, Tyme and Iman with his wife of 29 years—said he waited 16 months to confirm her death because Garland preferred to keep their personal life private.

“I don’t know if this is an appropriate post,” he admitted, “because Jenisa Washington was extremely private, but I guess I just have to be reprimanded from her on the other side.”

Washington also shared a public service announcement for fans.

“Listen, y’all…some headaches are not just headaches or migraines, they can be much worse and a warning sign,” he emphasized. “Get a brain scan if you can and take those headaches seriously.”