Diego Borella, a local crew member working on the fifth season of Emily in Paris, collapsed and died during production at an iconic Venetian hotel, as Deadline reports.

Borella, a third assistant director and Italian national, passed away on Thursday evening at Hotel Danieli in Venice of a suspected heart attack, temporarily halting filming on the Netflix series.

The fatal incident unfolded around 7 p.m. local time as cast and crew were preparing to shoot a final scene at the historic Hotel Danieli, near the Grand Canal. Borella, who had previously worked on Italy’s popular medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani, was hired specifically for the Venice portion of the production. He reportedly collapsed without warning on set, prompting immediate action from the show's medical team.

Despite emergency efforts by the on-set medical staff, Borella could not be revived and was declared dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed, but it is widely believed to be a sudden heart attack, according to reports from the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Borella’s death sent shockwaves through the tight-knit crew and broader production community.

Production on Emily in Paris, a Paramount Television Studios project for Netflix, was urgently paused following the tragedy. The suspension lasted through Friday as the production team and cast grieved their colleague’s unexpected death. Staff were reportedly sent home, and filming gear was cleared from the location in a rare and somber pause for a series known for its lighthearted tone.

Tragedy strikes near season's end

Borella served as third assistant director during the brief but crucial filming period in Venice, which marked the tail end of season five's production schedule. Prior locations for the season included Rome and Paris, with Venice scheduled for only several days of filming. His local hire status made him a vital liaison between the international production and the Italian filming environment.

Paramount Television Studios issued an official statement following Borella’s death, extending condolences to his loved ones and recognizing his contributions to the series. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family,” a spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

A cast member speaking anonymously also reflected on the past weeks of filming, noting, “I think we’ve got a really terrific season coming up.” They described the filming experience in Rome as “exciting” and indicated that the production had largely returned to Paris before concluding in Venice the week of Borella’s death.

Resuming work after tragic loss

After a one-day halt in filming, the production resumed on Saturday, continuing its final scenes at Hotel Danieli and surrounding Venetian locations. The decision to restart was reportedly made after lengthy discussion among producers, who wanted to ensure that those working on the show felt ready and supported. Psychological services were also made available to crew members, though details were not publicly disclosed.

Season five of the popular Netflix romantic comedy series, which was renewed last September, began its principal photography in May. Airing since 2020, the show stars Lily Collins as an American marketing executive navigating her career and love life in France. The show maintains a considerable fan base both in the United States and internationally.

The new season is currently slated for a Dec. 18 release. As planned, the series will continue with its chic European sets and fashionable storytelling, though this recent behind-the-scenes tragedy will likely linger in the minds of those involved in its creation.

Spotlight on health emergencies on set

Borella’s sudden death adds to a growing discussion about medical preparedness on television and film sets, especially those in high-pressure or remote filming environments. While it is not uncommon for sets to include on-site medics, the ability to manage acute cardiac emergencies often requires immediate and specialized intervention. This incident has sparked renewed calls for production companies to continuously evaluate the physical demands placed on crew members.

Though initial reports suggest Borella’s death was not related to filming conditions, his passing has underscored the need for greater awareness of individual health histories when overseeing large-scale productions. Travel schedules, long shooting days, and unfamiliar environments all contribute to heightened risk profiles for cast and crew alike.

Moreover, in the international television industry, locally hired workers such as Borella play a crucial role in facilitating smooth production. Their inclusion enriches global storytelling, but it also means that sudden tragedies resonate across multiple countries and communities.

Lessons to learn

1. Ensure access to emergency medical services at all times. Sets should be equipped with lifesaving tools like defibrillators, while crew members should be trained for emergency scenarios. A fast first response can make the difference in cardiac-related emergencies.

2. Health screenings should be encouraged for all production personnel. Though individual medical privacy must be respected, enabling access to preventive checkups and stress evaluations can support those working under intense conditions.

3. Build a culture of proactive care and support. Crew health and comfort must be valued equally to artistic vision. While some tragedies are truly unpreventable, promoting rest, mental health access, and open communication can reduce risk. It’s important to remember that accidents and sudden health issues can impact anyone, and victims should never be blamed for circumstances outside their control.

Why this story matters

This story highlights how fragile life can be -- even on glamorous, high-profile productions.

The death of Diego Borella brings attention to the safety and health of behind-the-scenes workers who form the backbone of film and television.

His passing is a communal loss that resonates deeply within the entertainment industry and among viewers worldwide.