James Gandolfini was on a boys trip with his teenage son Michael when he died in Rome

James Gandolfini was on a boys trip with his teenage son Michael when he died of a suspected heart attack in Italy on Wednesday.

Actor and friend Gilles Marini wrote a post on his Facebook page paying tribute to James Gandolfini revealing that the 51-year-old actor was on a “boy trip” in Rome with his son Michael.

James Gandolfini was on a boys trip with his teenage son Michael when he died of a suspected heart attack in Italy

Gilles Marini wrote: “I am heartbroken. My bud James Gandolfini just died. Last Saturday he told me at our kids graduation ghat (sic) he was so happy to go with his son to Italy. A boy trip!”

He added: “It was an honor to have met this man, such a great Dad! I spent so much time with James son teaching him soccer. I feel for that kid it must be so hard right now for little Michael.”

James Gandolfini had son Michael with his ex-wife Marcy Wudarski, from whom he was divorced in December 2002.

The actor is survived by his second wife Deborah Lin and their nine-month-old daughter Liliana Ruth and Michael.