The soap opera community was shocked this week when it was announced that One Life to Live's Nathaniel Marston (ex-Michael McBain and ex-Al Holden; ex-Eddie Silva, At the World Turns) had died following a serious car accident. An outpouring of love and supportive messages have followed the news, including a very heartfelt statement from the actor's former costar, Erika Slezak (ex-Victoria Lord).

"I am so very saddened by the death of Nathaniel Marston," she shares on her official website. "He was a complicated but really lovely man, and very talented actor, who lived with a lot of demons in his life. But he fought back and was winning -- getting on as best as he could. I always liked him and respected him for his determination and his talent. I cannot imagine the pain he was in after his accident and I think God must have spared him that pain by taking him home. Hopefully we will all pray for him and for his mother. This is a real tragedy."

For more information about Marston's passing and an emotional message about his final days from his mother, Elizabeth, read Soap Central's original story here.

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