‘Emily in Paris’ Crew Member Diego Borella Dies After Collapsing on Set in Venice

Tragedy struck the set of Emily in Paris this week after assistant director Diego Borella collapsed and died while working on Season 5 of the hit Netflix comedy.

According to multiple Italian outlets, Borella collapsed around 7 p.m. Thursday while crew members were preparing to film a final scene at Venice’s Hotel Danieli.

He was treated by the show’s on-set medical team but ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Local reports suggest he likely suffered “a sudden heart attack.”

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family,” a Paramount Television Studios spokesperson said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Borella, who was hired locally as a third assistant director, had previously worked on the Italian medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani (DOC – In Your Hands) in 2022.

Production was briefly suspended but resumed on Saturday. Season 5, which Netflix officially greenlit last September, began shooting in Rome earlier this year before moving to Paris and later Venice for its final stretch.

“I think we’ve got a really terrific season coming up,” showrunner Darren Star teased last month. “We filmed in Rome for the first four weeks, and that was an exciting experience to be there. Now we’re back in Paris, Emily is definitely back in Paris.”

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Emily in Paris Season 5 is still slated to premiere on Netflix Dec. 18.