How did they write dan blocker off bonanza?

Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on "Bonanza," was written off the show following his death in 1972 due to complications from surgery. The show's producers decided to address his absence by having Hoss die off-screen, with the character's death mentioned in the first episode of the show's 14th season. This approach allowed the series to respect Blocker's legacy while continuing with the remaining cast. The storyline focused on the family's grief and adjustment to Hoss's loss.