Former Hollyoaks and Love Island star who tragically passed away had suffered serious health problems due to ‘vaping addiction’
12:43, 16 Jan 2025Updated 12:54, 16 Jan 2025
Paul Danan has sadly died at the age of 46(Image: PA)
Hollyoaks star Paul Danan has tragically passed away at the age of 46, as confirmed by his management. The actor, who had a well-documented battle with substance abuse, previously shared his near-death experience due to an addiction to vaping.
After years of smoking, Danan turned to vaping and collapsed in May last year, requiring CPR before being rushed to hospital. He spent a week in intensive care where he contracted pneumonia.
Doctors at Whipps Cross hospital in East London warned his family that “he might not make it through the night”. Danan was best known for his role as Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap from 1997 to 2001, and later made a name for himself on reality TV.
The cause of his sudden death is currently unknown. Despite being viewed as a healthier alternative to smoking, vaping can lead to health issues. Vaping is seen as a healthier alternative to smoking – but it can cause health problems. In 2019 a report said the fluid in e-cigarettes may cause a potentially life threatening lung inflammation in those who are susceptible.
Paul Danan had a brush with death after health issues from vaping last year(Image: Channel 5)
The research, co-authored by Royal Brompton’s consultant paediatric chest physician Professor Andrew Bush, outlines a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis – a condition in which the air sacs and airways in the lungs become severely inflamed – in a 16 year old boy, who was initially suspected of having worsening asthma.
The teenager developed respiratory failure and needed external assistance for his heart and lungs to work properly, and was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) and intravenous antibiotics and steroids. The trigger for his condition is thought to have been an immune response to one of the chemicals found in e-cigarette fluid. The report concludes that e-cigarettes should not automatically be considered much safer than tobacco.
Professor Andrew Bush, said: “This case is very disturbing. We simply do not know the long-term consequences of vaping. We don’t know what is in these devices and liquids, therefore, how can we possibly say they are safe to inhale into our lungs? They should be kept out of the hands of young people.”
Mr Danan, recounted his near-death experience last year: “I was dead – it’s a miracle I’m here.” He also shared, “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed.”
He continued, explaining the terror of that night, “My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital. I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky.”
Paul Danan has been open about his addiction issues in the past
Paul, known from the original series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005, has shockingly passed away at 46 after doctors said his addiction to vaping led to his tragic collapse. Sharing the news with immense sorrow, his agency released a heartfelt statement, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old.”
“Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”
“During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues.” Meanwhile, the NHS has clarified that e-cigarettes are a different beast to traditional tobacco products; they don’t burn tobacco or create tar or carbon monoxide.
Paul Danan enters the Big Brother House for the Celebrity Big Brother launch in 2017(Image: Getty Images)
Instead, they work by heating a liquid concoction which often includes nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and various flavourings – a process widely referred to as vaping. While the NHS points out that “Vaping is not completely risk-free,” it’s a lot less harmful than smoking cigs, although the full long-term effects are yet to be fully understood.
A quarter of youngsters aged 11 to 15 have experimented with vaping, and nearly one in ten (9%) are frequent users, alarming stats from the NHS revealed last November. Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne expressed his concern, stating: “It’s very worrying to see a quarter of pupils tried vaping last year. The health advice is clear that children and adult non-smokers should never vape, so it is unacceptable to see unscrupulous retailers marketing them at children.”
He added, “Through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, we will stop vapes from being deliberately branded to target children, protecting future generations from becoming hooked on nicotine and ensuring the next generation grows up smoke and vape free”.
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