'One Tree Hill' Actor Paul Teal Dies at 35 Years Old — What We Know About His Cause of Death

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Paul Teal, best known for his role as Josh on One Tree Hill. His partner, Emilia Torello, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Sunday, Nov. 17.

"Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future," Emilia wrote in a tribute on the platform.

Here's what we know so far about Paul Teal's passing, including the details surrounding the cause of his death.

Emilia Torello announced that Paul Teal, whom she described as the "most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man," passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

While she did not disclose the cause of Paul's death, a rep confirmed in a statement to Today.com that Paul passed away after a seven-month battle with Stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer.

"With heartfelt sorrow, we share the news of the passing of our beloved actor and friend, Paul Teal," his agency, STW, said. "He has been an important part of the STW family for over 10 years. His exceptional talent and kind spirit touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. The void he leaves behind will be deeply felt."

In her Instagram post, Emilia shared a black-and-white photo of the two and said Paul "filled [her] 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."

She continued, "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. 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," Emilia concluded.

As previously mentioned, Paul Teal was best known for his role as Josh on One Tree Hill, where he appeared in seven episodes in 2010.

His co-star, Bethany Joy Lenz, paid tribute to Paul, remembering him not only from their time on the show but also from before they worked together before the One Tree Hill era.

"My heart is heavy," she wrote in a November 17 Instagram post. "Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying. His bright smile, infectious laugh, and kind heart made you want to be near him."

Bethany went on to say that, after One Tree Hill, she and Paul kept in touch "on and off," and she wished she had reached out to him more.

"Now at 35, he's taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. I'm gutted," she penned. "Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for a season. Bursting, exciting, deeply moving, and unforgettable."

Our thoughts are with Paul's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.