Tragedy in Venice: Emily in Paris assistant director dies during season 5 filming

One of the men who worked on the hit show Emily in Paris died while shooting the fifth season in Venice.

La Repubblica named the man as 47-year-old Diego Borella, who was an assistant director on the show.

The hospital was called to the city’s Hotel Danieli at about 19:00 local time (18:00 BST) on Thursday, but the man could not be saved, the newspaper said.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the ‘Emily in Paris’ production family,” a Paramount Television Studios press release said. The studio makes the show for Netflix.

La Repubblica says Borella died after passing out in front of coworkers while they were getting ready to film a scene.

The report also stated that although the medical staff on the show attempted to assist Borella, he succumbed to his injuries immediately.

After his death, filming of Emily in Paris was said to have been put on hold for a while.

The Paramount Television Studios statement went on to say, “Our hearts go out to the person’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The first episode of the romantic comedy Emily in Paris aired in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emily Cooper is an American marketing expert who works at a company in Paris. Lily Collins plays her on the hit show, which follows her life.

Emily goes to Rome to open a new office in season four, which came out in 2024.

Sylvie is played by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Mindy is played by Ashley Park, Gabriel is played by Lucas Bravo, and Alfie is played by Lucien Laviscount.

Late this year, the fifth season will air.