Earlier this year, the daytime community was devastated by the sudden death of As the World Turns star Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal Munson). Since that time fans have been wondering how the show will address the actor's real-life deal on the show.

In an episode airing Friday, October 20, Hal's son Will will receive a heartbreaking phone call informing him that his father was killed in the line of duty. On the following Monday, the rest of Oakdale learns of Hal's death. Hal's friends and family -- which will include the return of Adam Munson to Oakdale -- will then gather together at Yo's to celebrate Hal's life.

Hendrickson committed suicide in July and since that time his character has remained off-screen. The show has referenced the character, but the writing team opted to wait until the time was right to address Hendrickson's death.

In 2003, Hendrickson earned his first-ever Daytime Emmy award in the Outstanding Supporting Actor field.

For fans that missed the Monday, October 23 tribute episode, an As The World Turns spokesperson states that the show is exploring ways to re-air the episode for fans that may have missed it the first time around.

For more on the life of Benjamin Hendrickson click here.