Mel Gibson is reportedly deeply saddened by the passing of his co-star, who was rumored to be his “secret love.” Actress Nadia Fares tragically died following a swimming pool accident on April 17.

Mel and Nadia had shared the screen in the 2022 thriller, On The Line. The 57-year-old Fares was discovered unconscious in a Paris gym’s swimming pool on April 11. Despite being rushed to the hospital and put into a medically induced coma, she succumbed to cardiac arrest a few days later.

Sources indicate that the 70-year-old actor Mel is devastated by the news, as the pair had developed a strong connection. There are suggestions that their relationship had evolved into a romantic one recently, especially after Mel’s separation from Rosalind Ross in December 2025. It is believed that Mel held strong feelings for Nadia.

An insider revealed to the Daily Mail, “Mel has been infatuated with many women in his life, and Nadia Fares is undoubtedly one of the women he deeply respected and loved for their collaborative work and unbreakable friendship. While their feelings may not have been entirely mutual, their bond was significant, making her loss truly heartbreaking.”

Expressing profound grief, the source added, “He is shattered by her untimely departure. This was completely unexpected for him, and the pain is more profound than anticipated. His feelings for her ran deep.”

Mel had previously praised Nadia’s talent, describing her as an actress with exceptional sensitivity and elegance that enhanced every scene they shared in On the Line. He admired her professionalism and genuine kindness on and off the set.

Nadia’s sudden death shocked many, especially considering her history of health struggles, including a brain aneurysm operation in 2007 and three heart surgeries within four years. Her daughters, Cylia and Shana Chasman, from her marriage to American producer Steve Chasman, shared a heartbroken statement announcing her passing.

In their statement, Nadia’s daughters expressed their immense sadness, emphasizing the loss of a great artist to France but, more significantly, the loss of their mother.

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