Tragic Loss on Set: Assistant Director Diego Borella Passes Away During Filming of Emily in Paris

47-year-old Diego Borella, an assistant director for the show, collapsed while preparing to shoot in Venice, prompting a swift emergency response that unfortunately could not save him.

In a tragic turn of events, a crew member for the beloved series Emily in Paris has died unexpectedly while working on location in Venice for its fifth season. The individual, identified as Diego Borella, was a 47-year-old assistant director whose passing has left the production team heartbroken.

Reports suggest that Borella collapsed in front of colleagues at the prestigious Hotel Danieli just after 7 PM local time on Thursday. Medical personnel were summoned, yet despite their efforts, he could not be revived, according to La Repubblica. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the 'Emily in Paris' production family,” shared a spokesperson from Paramount Television Studios, the production company behind the Netflix series.

As a mark of respect, filming has been temporarily halted following Borella's tragic death. The statement released by Paramount extended condolences to Borella’s family and friends, acknowledging the profound loss to all who worked with him.

Emily in Paris, created during the height of the pandemic in 2020, has gained immense popularity with audiences worldwide. The series stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive navigating her professional and personal life while living in Paris. The fourth season, which premiered in 2024, depicted Emily’s transition to Rome to launch a new office. The show also features a talented ensemble cast, including Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Ashley Park. The much-anticipated fifth season is set to debut later this year.