Filming for the upcoming season of Emily in Paris has been suspended after the sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella in Venice.

The 47-year-old collapsed on Thursday evening while preparations were underway for the last scene of the fifth season. Emergency responders were called to the Hotel Danieli, where production was ongoing, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, according to reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

Borella, widely respected in the film community, had honed his craft in Rome, London, and New York. Beyond television and cinema, he was also passionate about writing and had published works of children’s literature, including fairy tales.

The Netflix series, led by Lily Collins, had been scheduled to wrap filming between August 15 and 25, with its new season expected to premiere on December 18. Earlier in the year, Collins was spotted in Rome shooting scenes that highlighted the show’s expansion into Italy, including visits to designer boutiques and rides through the city on a scooter.

The fifth season follows on from Emily’s romantic storyline with Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini. However, it also marks a major cast shift after French actress Camille Razat, who portrays Emily’s friend Camille, revealed in April that she would be leaving the show.

As of now, Netflix has not released an official statement regarding Borella’s passing.