One Tree Hill fame Paul Teal dies at 35, fiancé Emilia Torello reveals he was diagnosed with cancer

Actor Paul Teal, widely recognized for his role as Josh Avery in Season 7 of the popular teen drama 'One Tree Hill', has tragically passed away at the age of 35.

In a touching social media post, his fiancé, Emilia Torello confirmed the tragedy, saying that Teal died on November 15. Taking to her Instagram, she wrote, "The most loving, self-disciplined, driven, inspirational, and thoughtful man passed away."

Along with the note, Emilia also shared  a monochrome photo of herself kissing the actor, she wrote, "Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future."

Although the cause of death was not specified in her detailed note, Emilia disclosed to TMZ that Paul had been diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in April. He passed away just seven months after his diagnosis, at a hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The note further said, "You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with butterflies, and my heart with love. You were taken too soon, in a battle that you fought bravely without fail. While a part of me died with you, I promise to fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live every single day."

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A post shared by Emilia Torello (@emiliatorello)

Emilia concluded her heartfelt tribute with the words, "The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I am the luckiest person in it because I got to call you mine. I will love you forever."

Following the news of Paul Teal's sudden passing, his 'One Tree Hill' co-star Bethany Joy Lenz expressed her sorrow on Instagram, remembering him as someone who "lit up a room without trying." She wrote, "My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was shy, funny, and incredibly comfortable on stage. His bright smile, infectious laugh, and kind heart made you want to be near him. He was perfect for the role of Josh, bringing his self-effacing humor and dedication to the character."

Reflecting on their decade-long friendship, Lenz added, "At 35, he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you... unforgettable."

In addition to his role in 'One Tree Hill', Paul Teal appeared in popular projects such as 'Dynasty', 'The Walking Dead: World Beyond', 'USS Christmas', 'Fear Street Part 2: 1978', 'Deep Water', and 'Descendants: The Rise of Red'. Remarkably, even while battling cancer, he completed filming for the upcoming Starz series 'The Hunting Wives'.

Teal was also a highly regarded stage actor, taking on leading roles in productions like 'Newsies', 'Sweeney Todd', and 'Rent', which he performed at theaters across the country.