Jana Kramer, Sophia Bush React to One Tree Hill Star Paul Teal’s Death

Paul Teal’s death has sent waves of sadness through the One Tree Hill family, including among his costars Jana Kramer and Sophia Bush.

“Sending love and prayers to @paulteal family and friends,” Kramer, 40, wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, November 18, after news broke that Teal died on Friday, November 15. “I had the absolute pleasure of working with him on season 7 of OTH.”

Kramer played Alex Dupre on OTH from 2009 to 2012. She worked closely with Teal, who joined the cast for season 7 as actor Josh Avery. During his stint on the series, Josh made a sex tape with Alex and threatened to release it. However, once Alex found out that Josh was gay, she covered for him and pretended to be his girlfriend before he eventually came out to his parents.

“He was always so sweet and kind and was so fun to work alongside,” Kramer said of her late castmate. “OTH family, wrap his family and friends in prayers please.”

Bush, who portrayed Brooke Davis throughout the entirety of the show, also shared a kind message to Teal and his loved ones.

“Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Teal,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. “We are just starting to watch his OTH episodes on @dramaqueensoth and he’s such a talent.”

Teal’s partner, Emilia Torello, announced his death via Instagram on Sunday, November 17. While his cause of death was not revealed, she noted that he was battling an illness before his passing.

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple. “Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future.”

She continued: “You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with butterflies, and my heart with love. You were taken too soon, in a battle that you fought bravely without fail.”

Torello confessed that part of her “died” with Teal but promised to “fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live every single day.” She concluded, “The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I am the luckiest person in it, because I got to call you mine. I will love you forever.”

In the wake of his death, fellow OTH star Bethany Joy Lenz penned a tribute to Teal on Sunday.

“My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying,” Lenz, who played Haley James Scott, wrote via social media. “His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be near him.”

The 43-year-old actress shared a video slideshow filled with memories of Teal, including a clip from their 2006 musical adaptation of The Notebook.

“He was shy and funny and so so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him,” she gushed of the late actor. “Later, I was giddy to be directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I’d get to cast a new recurring character, Josh — the sleazy movie star. With his self-effacing sense of humor and willingness to dive fully into any character, Paul was perfect for the part. He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”

Lenz noted that Teal was “too young to die,” adding that she is “gutted” by the news. “Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for a season. Bursting, exciting, deeply moving, and unforgettable,” she wrote.