Diego Borella, who worked as a third assistant director on Netflix’s Emily in Paris, has died at the age of 47 after collapsing on set in Venice during production of the show’s fifth season.
Paramount Television Studios confirmed the news in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production team. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
Borella, an Italian crew member hired locally, reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack around 7:00 pm on August 21 while the cast and crew were preparing a scene at the historic Hotel Danieli. Emergency responders on site attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Following the tragedy, filming was temporarily paused but resumed on Saturday. Production for the fifth season began in Rome in May, continued in Paris in June and moved to Venice earlier this month.
Netflix unveiled first-look images and the release date for Season 5 last week, just before the production was struck by this unexpected loss.