AirLockAlpha.com

This story contains possible spoilers for NBC's "Heroes."

For the last couple weeks, there have been a number of hints -- many of them confirmed by series star Greg Grunberg -- that there would be a major departure from "Heroes."

But now it has been confirmed: One of the original actors on the NBC show that has been rumored to be ending this season is gone. The sad part was, he apparently didn't know until after he read the script and discovered his death.

The dearly departed? Nathan Petrelli, played by Adrian Pasdar.

"Adrian Pasdar's Nathan Petrelli is the major character death happening on 'Heroes' this season, and no, he wasn't told he was getting fired," E! Online reporter Kristin Dos Santos reported. "He learned about it from a script."

This news flies in the face of statements Grunberg, who plays Matt Parkman on "Heroes," told an interviewer as early as this week. He made it clear that the Petrelli brothers were safe, but obviously that is not the case.

"I know Adrian is getting killed off, and was pissed about it because they didn't tell him," the source told Dos Santos. "Greg could be talking about another death, but I think he's probably covering and throwing fans off."

NBC has not commented on Pasdar's departure, but the actor has been a part of the show since its 2006 premiere.

"Heroes" has struggled to find its audience this season, averaging a 3.6 rating/5 share, according to an average of Fast National ratings from The Nielsen Co., after airing seven episodes.

Rumors have surfaced as of late that "Heroes" is prepping for this to be its final season, a rumor that NBC has denied to Airlock Alpha.