One Tree Hill's William Friend, Bevin Prince’s Husband struck by lightning, Dies at 33

William Friend, the husband of One Tree Hill star Bevin Prince, was struck by lightning on Sunday and passed away. The 33-year-old was in a boat near Masonboro Island, North Carolina, close to his hometown of Wilmington. According to media reports, Friend was pronounced dead after the medic attempted to revive him for 20 minutes. cdv

The news was confirmed by Odette Annable, Bevin’s friend and You Again star. Odette wrote in an emotional Instagram post that the ‘unimaginable’ had occurred and that they had to bid adieu to their friend, William Friend. Remembering the husband of her best friend, Odette further wrote that it felt surreal writing the post, praising him for the life and love he gave to Bevin Prince. She further added,

“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 passion to help people, to build your business, to find happiness like I’d never seen from you living in North Carolina with Bevin.


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. Being here with Bevin, hearing her share stories about you and your love breaks my heart for her, because she lost the love of her life and the world lost a really really good one.”

Odette also appealed to friends, family, and fans to donate to the business that William was a part of, including Recess by Bevin Prince. Recess by Bevin Prince also started a ‘Will Friend Memorial Fund,’ which will also be disbursed towards the Special Operators Transition Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the Special Operations heroes, created by the highly decorated combat veteran, Robert J. O’Neill.