'One Tree Hill' Bevin Prince's Husband Killed By Lightning In NC

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The husband of “One Tree Hill” star Bevin Prince was struck and killed by lightning Sunday, according to multiple reports.

William Friend, 33, died Sunday when he was struck around 3:15 p.m. in North Carolina near Masonboro Island, WECT reported. He was the CEO of the digital media company Bisnow. The couple had been married since 2016.

Marine units from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident after they were flagged down by people seeking help, the news station reported. The Wilmington Police Department’s Marine Unit also assisted.

CPR was performed on Friend, who was taken to an ambulance, for 20 minutes before he was pronounced dead, officials said.

"What made Will special was his innate ability to inspire and motivate people - to raise people higher than they thought possible," Bisnow Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Gregg Mayer said in a statement. "That is the culture he fostered at Bisnow and, ultimately, that will be his lasting legacy."

Prince hasn’t released a public comment, but her friend, actress Odette Annable, posted a message to her Instagram on Wednesday.

"The unimaginable has happened and we have to say goodbye to another friend, @britwilliam. My best friend @bevinaprince beloved husband. 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. As I sit in your beautiful home, looking out onto the ocean, I keep thinking about what a gift you gave to Bevin. What a gift you gave to everyone who knew you to witness the passion that burned in your soul."

The Lightning Safety Council recorded three lightning deaths in the United States this year. Two other people were killed by lightning in Georgia and California, both in the last month.