Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan has died aged 46, his management has confirmed. The troubled actor was known to have struggled with substance abuse and previously opened up on how he nearly “died” over his addiction to vapes.
Danan, who took up the habit after years of smoking, collapsed in May last year and had to be given CPR before he was rushed to hospital. He then spent a week in intensive care where he contracted pneumonia.
While in the high dependency unit at Whipps Cross hospital, East London, doctors warned his loved ones “he might not make it through the night”. The star of the Channel 4 soap played bad boy Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001, and was later known for his reality TV appearances.
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. 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 previously said about his health episode:“I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here.” He added: “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed.
“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, who was in the original series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005, said he was told by doctors that his addiction to e-cigarettes sparked his collapse. A statement shared with the PA news agency from Independent Creative Management said: “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.”
The NHS says e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke. They work by heating a liquid (called an e-liquid) that typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings.
Using an e-cigarette is known as vaping. It says: ”Vaping is not completely risk-free, but it poses a small fraction of the risk of smoking cigarettes. The long-term risks of vaping are not yet clear.”
A quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) do it frequently, according to statistics published last November by the NHS. Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “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.
“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”.