‘One Tree Hill’ Actor Dead; Co-star mourns death

Paul Teal, known for his work on the series ‘One Tree Hill’, died on Friday at the age of 35.

Teal died after a battle with cancer, his agent Susan Tolar Walters confirmed to USA TODAY on Monday.

“His exceptional talent and kind spirit touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the statement said. “The void he leaves behind will be deeply felt.”

Teal’s fiancée, Emilia Torello, shared the news of his death on social media.

“Paul, you were my soulmate, my husband-to-be, my rock and my future,” Torello wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple. “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.

“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.”

Bethany Joy Lenz, who played Haley James Scott on “One Tree Hill,” responded to the news of Teal’s death in an Instagram post on Sunday.

“My heart is heavy,” she posted. “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.

“One Tree Hill” star Jana Kramer also paid respect to Teal on her Instagram Story, saying that Teal “was always so sweet and friendly and so fun to work with.”

Teal played actor Josh Avery in the seventh season of ‘One Tree Hill’ in 2010. His seven-episode stint on the show ended when his character came out as gay to his parents.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard daily on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.