One Tree Hill cast members are flooding former star Bevin Anne Prince with praise for her strength following the sudden and tragic death of her husband.
Bevin's husband, William Friend, had been out on a boat trip near Masonboro Island, California, when he was struck by lightning.
Although emergency services attempted to resuscitate William, 33, for 20 minutes, he was pronounced dead in the ambulance.
Bevin, 39, married William back in 2016, and the pair were set to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary, as well as William's 34th birthday, later this month.
The digital marketing company that William had worked for, Bisnow, confirmed his death in a post to social media, writing: "With profound sadness, we share some extremely difficult news: Will Friend, who took Bisnow to new heights as CEO, passes away at 33."
Bevin has yet to comment publicly on her husband's death.
However, her former One Tree Hill co-stars have begun to pay tribute to both Bevin and her late husband, praising the former actor as one of the 'strong' ones, and 'light personified'.
Hilarie Burton, who played Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, told her followers in a heartfelt Instagram post: "In every group of friends, there’s always the 'strong one'.
"They’re the ones who show up when things are difficult. They bring laughter and light to dark corners. It’s important to protect those friends, cause they’ll never ask for help.
"Our friend @bevinaprince is one of those strong ones. She is light personified. As some of you know, her beloved husband @britwilliam passed this week. It’s unfathomable."
One Tree Hill guest star Reese Lasher sent his love and support to his 'best friend' Bevin, describing her marriage to William as ;so inspiring - larger than life - imperfectly perfect'.
He added that Bevin and William's love was 'stronger than the lightning bolt that took his life'.
Sophia Bush, who played Brooke Davis on the show, shared Reese's tribute to her own Instagram Story, adding: "Heartbroken and at a loss … Our family is grieving for one of our own.
“Please lift up @bevinaprince in whatever way you are able. Show her the love she derives; the love her husband always showed her."
Supporters and loved ones have been urged to donate to Recess, a sport and recreation business that Will and Bevin had created together, as well as a memorial fund in William's name, which will go towards 'two causes he felt strongly about'.
You can check out the GoFundMe, which has already raised over $67,000 (£55,000) here.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
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