Soap opera actor Paul Avery, best known for his work on All My Children, has died in a tragic house fire alongside his wife, Sheila.
The couple was found in critical condition inside their home in Blairstown, New Jersey, early Tuesday morning, June 16, after firefighters rushed to the scene.
According to reports, first responders tried to save them and CPR was performed, but Paul and Sheila could not be revived.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Their heartbroken daughter, Kyle Avery, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional Facebook post.
“I’m devastated to share that our parents, Paul and Sheila Garry Avery, passed away early this morning,” she wrote.
“We loved them so much, and they loved us so much, and nobody ever had to wonder if that was so,” she added.
Avery was remembered not only for his time on the legendary daytime soap All My Children, but also for the many roles he played in life outside of Hollywood.
Joe Phalon, a friend of Avery’s who works at the Ridge View Echo, the community newspaper Avery founded, paid tribute to him following the tragedy.
“I always like to call Paul the most interesting man in the world, because he was when you consider everything he’s done in his life,” Phalon said.
He pointed to Avery’s long and colorful life, including his work as an actor, skydiver, Vietnam veteran and newspaper founder.
“His death is going to leave a real void in this community,” Phalon added. “Not just Blairstown, but the towns around as well. I think we’ll really miss him, and I think it’s going to become more apparent over time.”
The heartbreaking fire has left family, friends and the local community reeling as investigators continue working to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.
More details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
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