Mel Gibson is said to be devastated by the death of a co-star described as his 'secret love.' Actress Nadia Fares passed away on April 17, days after a tragic swimming pool accident.
A Tragic Accident
Fares, 57, was found unconscious in the swimming pool of a luxury gym in Paris on April 11. She was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma but died days later after going into cardiac arrest. The 70-year-old actor, who starred alongside Fares in the 2022 thriller On The Line, is reportedly 'gutted' by the news.
A Close Bond
Sources close to the pair claim their relationship had recently turned romantic. Gibson confirmed his split from partner Rosalind Ross in December 2025. An insider told the Daily Mail: 'Mel has been enamoured with many women in his lifetime, and Nadia Fares is without question one of the women in his life that he has so much love and respect for... They had a tremendous bond that makes her passing such an incredible loss.'
The source 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.'
Gibson's Praise for Fares
Gibson had previously spoken highly of his co-star, saying: '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.'
The Incident
Nadia's death came as a shock. She had been swimming laps when she was found in a yoga position at the bottom of the pool. Another swimmer attempted to resuscitate her and performed CPR at the scene. The emergency occurred nearly 20 years after Fares had undergone surgery for a brain aneurysm in 2007, and she had previously had three heart surgeries in four years.
Family's Grief
Her death was confirmed in a statement by her heartbroken daughters, Cylia and Shana Chasman, whom she shared with her estranged husband, American producer Steve Chasman. The couple split after 20 years in 2022. Nadia's daughters said: 'It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Nadia Fares this Friday. France has lost a great artist, but for us, it is above all a mother we have just lost.'
