The friend was on a boat near Masonboro Island, North Carolina, during a storm when he was struck. It was just a week before his 34th birthday. Paramedics tried to revive Friend for 20 minutes, but he was pronounced dead in the ambulance, according to local news station WECT-TV. It’s the third lightning-related death in the U.S. this year, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Image: The couple moved from New York and set up a cycling studio in 2020. Photo: @Bevinprince/Instagram His employers, digital marketing company Bisnow, confirmed the British businessman’s death, posting a tribute on Instagram. Next to a photo of him giving a speech, they wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we share some extremely difficult news: Will Friend, who took Bisnow to great heights as CEO, has died at 33.” The cycling studio run by Prince and Friend also released an image of Friend, with a message thanking him for his “knowledge, guidance and support” and praising his pursuit of the “American Dream”. Prince, 39, and Friend married in 2016 and celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary last month. They had left New York in the summer of 2020, moving to Wilmington Harbor to focus on their fitness business. The actress – who played Bevin Mirskey on One Tree Hill, a major recurring role in the show’s first four seasons – has yet to publicly comment on her husband’s death. “Passion burned in your soul” Prince’s girlfriend You Again actress Odette Annable shared a tribute on Instagram along with photos of Prince, Friend and their dog Winston. She wrote: “The unthinkable has happened and we have to say goodbye to another friend, @britwilliam. My best friend @bevinaprince beloved husband. “Will, it’s surreal to write this. Mostly because it feels like you were just getting started. The life and love you gave my best friend made it feel okay to be thousands of miles apart. “As I sit in your beautiful home, looking out over the ocean, I keep thinking about what a gift you gave Bevin. What a gift you gave to all who knew you to witness the passion that burned in your soul.” The 37-year-old star added: “At just 33, you did it and went out in a blaze of glory like no other. May you rest in peace, charming, witty, handsome Brit who loved the s*** out of America. To love.” A memorial GoFundMe page set up to raise money in Friend’s honor raised more than $35,000 (£29,000) in 12 hours. The money raised will go to Friend and Bevin’s business, Recess, and the Special Operators Transition Foundation, which offers support to veterans and their families. Sky News has contacted Prince’s representatives for comment.
