Paul Teal’s partner Emilia Torello says he died of pancreatic cancer

Paul Teals partner, Emilia Torelloopened up about the health struggles One Tree Hill alum faced before his death at the age of 35.

Torello told TMZ on Monday, Nov. 18, that Teal died seven months after being diagnosed with stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. She told the outlet that Teal died on Friday, November 15, at a hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

Amidst his cancer battle, Torello said Teal was motivated by filming his new Starz series, The hunting wifep. (The show, which includes cast Dermot Mulroney and Brittany Snowexpected to premiere in 2025.)

Related: ‘One Tree Hill’ star Paul Teal dead at 35, Bethany Joy Lenz pays tribute

A Tree Hill alum Paul Teal has died at the age of 35. “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Teal’s partner Emilia Torello announced via Instagram on Sunday, November 17 “Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock and my future.” While Torello did not (…)

Torello paid tribute to Teal in a sweet Instagram post on Sunday, Nov. 17. “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” she wrote. “Paul, you were my soul mate, my future husband, my rock and my future.”

Torello hinted that Teal was struggling with a health issue. “You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with butterflies and my heart with love,” she continued. “You were taken too soon in a battle which you fought valiantly 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 each and 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 got to call you mine. I’ll love you forever.”

Alongside the emotional message, Torello posted a black-and-white photo of her kissing Teal on the cheek while smiling for the camera.

Following the news of his death, Teal’s former co-star Bethany Joy Lenz honored his memory. (Teal appeared in seven episodes of One Tree Hill in 2010.)

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

Lenz included a video slideshow of her and Teal on stage for a 2006 musical adaptation The notebook. “He was shy and funny and so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him,” she wrote. “Later I was giddy directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I would get to cast a new recurring character, Josh – the sleazy movie star. With his self-deprecating sense of humor and willingness to immerse himself in any character, Paul was perfect for the role. He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”

Lenz said she and Teal kept “on and off contact” over the years, but wished she would have reached out to him “more.”

“Now at 35 he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Way too young. I’m sorry,” she wrote. “Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for a season. Explosive, exciting, deeply moving and unforgettable.”