The husband of “One Tree Hill” alum Bevin Prince died Sunday after being struck by lightning, according to reports.
William Friend, 33, was reportedly boating with friends near his Wilmington, North Carolina, home when the incident occurred. The couple wed in 2016 and moved to the Tar Heel State to be closer to family.
“The unimaginable has happened,” Prince’s friend, fellow actress Odette Annable, shared on her Instagram account.
“The life and love that you gave to my best friend made it feel okay that we were thousands of miles apart. As I sit in your beautiful home, looking out onto the ocean, I keep thinking about what a gift you gave to Bevin. What a gift you gave to everyone who knew you to witness the passion that burned in your soul,” the post said.
She continued, “The passion to help people, to build your business, to find happiness like I’d never seen from you living in North Carolina with Bevin. You were perfect for her in every way. You supported her dreams, you made her feel seen, you adored her with every bit of your soul and I will forever be grateful to witness that kind of love.”
New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputies performed CPR on Friend for 20 minutes after the incident, per Fox News. He was pronounced dead in an ambulance on the way to a hospital.
Prince hasn’t shared any thoughts publicly, but her Instagram feed is full of comments from fans expressing condolences for the loss. The “One Tree Hill” star has shared many photos of her husband there, including a sweet Valentine’s Day post from this year and multiple pictures of her husband and their dog, Winston.
“5 years, baby. Winston and I are so lucky to know you, to love you, and to learn with you. We have come so far and I am so proud of the life we have built. You make life delicious, my love. I love you,” Prince wrote in an anniversary post alongside a photo from their wedding.
“We don’t know each other, but I wanted to send my sincere condolences to you and Lady Winston. I’m so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Sending love and strength your way,” one fan wrote.
“I’m so heartbroken to hear the news and I’m sending you and your family SO so so much love and many prayers,” another shared.