Hollywood icon Mel Gibson is reportedly heartbroken after the death of his "secret love", actress Nadia Fares, who died after an accident in a swimming pool. Nadia was sadly found unconscious in the swimming pool of a luxury Parisian gym and was rushed to hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma. Sadly, she died six days later on April 17.

She had been swimming laps but was found in a yoga position at the bottom of the pool, with another swimmer rushing to attempt CPR. Nadia had undergone surgery for a brain aneurism almost two decades before her death, as well as three heart operations in just four years. Her devastated daughter Cylia and Shana announced her death.

Nadia starred alongside Mel in 2022 thriller On the Line, and reportedly developed a "tremendous bond". A source told the Daily Mail: "Mel has been enamoured with many women in his lifetime, and Nadia Fares is no question one of the women in his life that he has so much love and respect for their work together and their unbreakable friendship.

"He may have cared for her more than she cared for him, but they had a tremendous bond that makes her passing such an incredible loss."

They added: "He is gutted that she is gone so young. He didn't have this happening on his timeline at all. It is even more devastating than one would expect. He cared for her deeply."

Mel had praised Nadia publicly in the past, stating: "She is an actress gifted with a rare sensitivity and an elegance that illuminates every scene.

"Working with her on On the Line was a privilege, very professional and with a genuine kindness even off-set."

Nadia also worked on The Crimson Rivers, Luther and Haters.

Daily Express has contacted Mel Gibson's representatives for comment.