Brentford ended with a stutter at Griffin Park as Blackburn, who needed a win to have a chance of survival, claimed victory. Although results elsewhere saw them relegated.
A Charlie Mulgrew free kick put Rovers in front and above the drop zone with Nottingham Forest dropping into the relegation places.
Danny Guthrie then put Blackburn 2-0 up and they looked as if they may just pull off the great escape.
Birmingham took the lead to put all the pressure on Nottingham Forest.
However, Britt Assombalonga scored from the penalty spot to put Rovers back in the mire and when Chris Cohen and the Reds striker found the net again, it meant that Blackburn were taking the plunge.
Lasse Vibe pulled a goal back for Brentford but when Harlee Dean brought down Marvin Emnes in the penalty area to receive a second yellow card, Craig Conway scored to seal the win but results elsewhere condemned Blackburn to the drop.
Below are five talking points from the game.
Blackburn wanted it more
This should not have come as much of a surprise given the situation Blackburn found themselves in.
Rovers had to win to have any chance of survival but results elsewhere confirmed that they would be plying their trade in League One next season.
Brentford, on the other hand, were secure as a top half team before the contest kicked off.
It was no shock that the visitors came flying out of the blocks and Charlie Mulgrew and Danny Guthrie both found the net.
That gave Rovers hope but Nottingham Forest cruising to a 3-0 win over Ipswich and, with Birmingham winning at Bristol City, it meant it wasn't enough.
What's cost Brentford this season
Brentford had the capability of pushing for the play-offs this season but their record against the sides relegated from the second tier was poor.
They were beaten twice by Blackburn this season, while they only picked up one point against Wigan.
The only relegated side they beat was Rotherham but they also lost at the New York Stadium to the Millers.
One target missed
Brentford had to win to better last season's point tally and they will be disappointed that they didn't achieve that total.
They also finish the season in 10th place, one lower from where they finished last season.
It's not a big complaint but the figures don't show progress, even though it is clear that the Bees have been a better side than last year.
One target hit
Despite finishing a place and a point worse off compared to last season, the Bees can be proud of a third successive top 10 finish in the Championship.
There is a squad capable of pushing higher in the table already at Griffin Park and, with the right additions, the Bees can challenge at the top of the tree.
Brentford have been tipped to be relegated in each of the last three seasons. If their first was considered a freak performance then the last two years should silence the critics. The Bees are now an established club in the Championship.
Venky's MUST go
Blackburn will play in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1980, while they were cream of the crop 22 years ago this week.
It's a damning fall from grace and the fingers can only be pointed at Venky's. They have allowed a proud club to drop into League One after catastrophic mismanagement.
Rovers have been circling the drain in the Championship for the last few seasons and it felt as if there was always going to be a campaign too far for them.
Their fans don't deserve the negligent owners they have. Venky's must rival the likes of Karl Oyston, Sisu, Francesco Bechetti and Roland Duchatelet for the worst owner in the country.
