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One Tree Hill Star Bevin Prince Husband Killed in Lightning Strike

The CW

"One Tree Hill" star Bevin Prince is mourning the loss of her husband, William Friend, who was killed in a lightning strike over the weekend.


The National Lightning Safety Council confirmed that Friend was struck near Masonboro Island in North Carolina while out on a boat. Emergency medical services attempted to resuscitate him for twenty minutes, until he was pronounced dead in the ambulance.

Following the tragic loss, some of Friend's loved ones are paying tribute to the Bisnow CEO. While Prince, herself, has yet to release a statement, "House" star and dear friend of the couple, Odette Annable, posted a message to her Instagram to show support through a difficult time. She wrote,

"Will, it feels surreal writing this. Mostly because it feels like you were just getting started. The life and love that you gave to my best friend made it feel okay that we were thousands of miles apart."

Annable included pictures of Friend, and of the young couple. She continued,

"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."

"Recess," the sports and recreation company recently founded by Friend and Prince, released their own statement to honor their founder's legacy, writing,

"Recess is the business that Will and his wife Bevin had been building and growing in their new North Carolina home. There was nothing Will respected or valued more than the American Dream, entrepreneurship, and women in business. We know he wanted to see this business continue to great success and lead to the employment of many more people. Creating rewarding and meaningful jobs for others was the legacy Will wanted to leave."

Prince and Friend married in 2016, celebrating their fifth anniversary last year. Prince posted photos of their wedding in celebration of the event, with the caption,

"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."

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Ryan Adamczeski

Digital Director

Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics.

Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics.