Emily in Paris Death – Tragedy struck the set of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris on Thursday, August 21, 2025, when assistant director Diego Borella, aged 47, suddenly collapsed and died during filming for the show’s highly anticipated fifth season. The incident occurred in Venice, where cast and crew had been working for several weeks to capture key scenes in the city’s most iconic locations.
According to reports, Borella was preparing for a final scene of the day at the renowned Hotel Danieli, a landmark overlooking the Grand Canal, when he unexpectedly collapsed. On-site medical staff immediately rushed to assist and attempted resuscitation, but despite their urgent efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary reports from local authorities indicate that Borella most likely suffered a sudden heart attack.
The devastating news has cast a somber shadow over the production. Filming for the new season has been temporarily paused out of respect for Borella and to allow the cast and crew time to grieve. The loss of such a dedicated member of the production team has deeply affected everyone involved, from actors to fellow crew members, who described him as a skilled professional and a warm presence on set.
Borella was a Venetian native who had built a wide-ranging career in film, visual arts, and literature. After growing up in Venice, he pursued extensive training in Rome, London, and New York, where he refined his craft in both directing and the broader arts. Over the years, he became known for his creativity, discipline, and ability to balance technical precision with artistic vision—qualities that earned him respect in the international filmmaking community. His career was marked not only by his work in television and film but also by contributions to the visual arts, making him a multifaceted talent whose influence extended beyond the screen.
His involvement in Emily in Paris was particularly meaningful, as it brought him back to his native Italy for an extended period. In recent weeks, he had been working alongside the series’ cast, including lead actress Lily Collins and co-star Ashley Park, as they filmed across Venice’s canals, historic streets, and palaces. Just days before the tragedy, Collins had posted behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, including cheerful snapshots of herself and Park traveling by boat between locations. In the posts, the cast expressed excitement and joy about their experiences filming in Venice—making Borella’s sudden death all the more heartbreaking.
Fans of the series, as well as colleagues from across the film industry, have shared messages of condolence following the announcement of Borella’s passing. Tributes highlight not only his professional achievements but also his kindness, generosity, and deep love for the arts. For many, his death represents not only the loss of a talented filmmaker but also of a man who inspired and supported those around him.
As the Emily in Paris production team takes time to process this tragedy, Borella is remembered with admiration and affection. His sudden passing is a profound reminder of life’s fragility, leaving both his colleagues and the artistic community mourning a gifted professional whose career was tragically cut short.