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The cause of death of ‘One Tree Hill’ star Paul Teal has been revealed

Paul Teal’s cause of death has been revealed following news that the “One Tree Hill” actor died following a health problem.

Teal died Friday at the age of 35, while his fiancée, Emilia Torello, told TMZ he lived for just seven months after being diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in April.

The star – who played Josh Avery in season seven of the long-running teen drama – died at a hospital in Raleigh, NC. Teal appeared in seven episodes of the hit teen drama series in 2010. His character was the love interest of Jana Kramer’s character, Alex Dupre. It was later revealed that Josh was gay.

Paul Teal died Friday at a hospital in Raleigh, NC. Instagram / @emilatorello
Paul Teal with his fiancée, Emilia Torello. Instagram / @emilatorello

“He was the most talented man I ever met. Once he set his mind to something, there was no stopping him,” Torello told the outlet. “He was the most diligent and dedicated person. I truly believed with all my heart that he would come out the other side because of those qualities. That makes this loss even more tragic.”

His fiancée announced his death on Sunday in a heartbreaking post on social media.

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined and loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello wrote as the caption for a sweet black-and-white photo of her kissing Teal’s cheek.

She revealed that Paul was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in April. Instagram / @emilatorello
He was only 35 when he succumbed to the diagnosis. Instagram / @emilatorello

Calling him her “soulmate, my husband-to-be, my rock and my future,” she continued. “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.

Torello said that “a part of me died with you,” but she vowed to “fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live every day.”

“The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I’m the luckiest person in that because I get to call you mine. I will love you forever.”

He played Josh Avery in season seven of ‘One Tree Hill’. Ken Oots / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
His former co-star Bethany Joy Lenz paid tribute after his death. Getty Images for American Heart Association

Teal’s ‘One Tree Hill’ co-star Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred in all nine seasons of ‘OTH’ as Haley James, also posted a tribute following the news of his death.

“My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of man who lit up a room without even trying. His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be around him,” she wrote.

The actress recalled working with Teal on her 2006 musical production of “The Notebook” before appearing in “One Tree Hill.”

Lenz said her heart was heavy and that Paul “lighted up a room without even trying.” Instagram / @msbethanyjoylenz
His character ‘One Tree Hill’ was the love interest of Alex Dupre (played by Jana Kramer). The CW Network

“Later, I got giddy when I had to direct an episode of One Tree Hill, in which I got to cast a new recurring character, Josh, the sleazy movie star,” Lenz said. “With his self-effacing sense of humor and his willingness to fully immerse himself in each character, Paul was perfect for the role. It was a pleasure to work with him in any setting and he was so generous.”

“We continued to keep in touch occasionally,” she added. “I wish it had been more. I wish I had called all the times I wanted to but got distracted. Life is short. I keep thinking that this week. Life is short.”

Amid his battle with cancer, his fiancée told TMZ that Teal was filming a new series for Starz called “The Hunting Wives.” She credited the cast and crew for helping him continue his health battle.

Teal’s resume includes “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” “Outer Banks,” “American Rust,” “The Staircase” and “George & Tammy.” He also played Deputy Clark in Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas’ 2022 film “Deep Water.”

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