‘Beverly Hills 90210’ Star Shannen Doherty Pays Tribute To Onscreen Fiancé David Gail Days After His Shocking Death

Shannen Doherty has paid tribute to the late David Gail, who played her onscreen fiancé in the fourth season of Beverly Hills, 90210.

On Monday (Jan. 22), Doherty mourned the actor — who died earlier this week at the age of 56 — on her Instagram Story, where she posted a still of her and Gail from the iconic ’90s drama. She did not caption the photo.

Gail joined Beverly Hills, 90210 for eight episodes of Season 4 as Stuart Carson. His character — a rich heir to a successful business — becomes engaged to Doherty’s Brenda Walsh before they ultimately decide to call off the wedding and remain friends instead. Carson’s scandalous past of drug dealing is also brought to light by Luke Perry‘s Dylan McKay, who dates Brenda in the show’s early seasons.

According to Gail’s family, he died due to “complications from sudden cardiac arrest,” per a press release shared with People. He was reportedly found unresponsive and when CPR and defibrillation didn’t work, he was put on life support for several days before he was officially pronounced dead.

“The family has no reason to suspect the cause of his death was anything but heart failure,” his rep said in the statement to the outlet. “David will be remembered for his love of acting and his absolute passion and dedication to his friends and family. He possessed a unique quality that made everyone feel special in his presence.”

Gail’s Beverly Hills, 90210 appearance marked one of Doherty’s last storylines on the show before her character was written off ahead of Season 5. The actress, who is currently battling stage four cancer, recently opened up about what transpired in her personal life that ultimately led to her firing.

“I don’t think anybody knew that my husband was a massive drug addict who would get incredibly violent at times and it was all-consuming for me,” she told Jason Priestley on her Let’s Be Clear podcast. “I didn’t even want to leave the house because I was scared that he would go and get drugs.”

Doherty said her personal struggles made it “very hard” for her to “consistently be on time for work,” which became “a very big problem” for the rest of her castmates since they would get stuck working longer hours if she showed up late.

“I don’t blame anyone else for what transpired and my ultimate firing,” she said. “I do blame myself because I should have had my personal life more together, I should have left a relationship earlier, I shouldn’t have been going out.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.