what happened to captain cragen on svu

Captain Donald Cragen, a long-standing and iconic character on Law & Order: SVU, died off-screen of natural causes before the events of Season 27. His death is revealed in the Season 27 premiere, which opens with a funeral service attended by many of his former colleagues. The cause of death is not explicitly clarified in the episode. Cragen had retired in Season 15 to spend more time with his loved ones and to go on a long cruise. He was remembered by the current SVU team, particularly Olivia Benson, who called him the best boss she ever had and credited him as a mentor from whom she learned everything about being a captain. The episode served as a sentimental tribute to the character and the actor Dann Florek, who portrayed him.