'Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond did not take his last breath alone as his girlfriend of one year was by his side. Tash Jules was present during the 44-year-old’s final moments on Monday morning, February 1, Diamond's longtime manager Roger Paul told PEOPLE. The manager stated that the actor had been "feeling out of sorts and he'd had a lump on his neck that he was ignoring" before it was detected he had stage 4 small cell carcinoma - a more aggressive form of lung cancer. “He was afraid of the public attention if he went into the hospital. But finally, his girlfriend took him and the doctors confirmed it was cancer," he added.

Paul also said that after the diagnosis, Diamond was positive throughout the treatment. He explained, “Of course he was scared, but he tried to find the humor in it. He did chemo — he tried everything possible. But it didn't work. Dustin tried to be as positive as he could throughout everything — that's who he was — but he was scared. He didn't want to die.”

Earlier, in a statement to USA Today, Paul said "We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma. He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and . Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful."

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This comes after Diamond, known for his character Screech from the show from when he was 10-years-old to when he was 23-years-old, was hospitalized earlier in January. A message on his Facebook page read, “At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin Will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made." At the time, several of his fans and co-stars wished him well on social media. However, after his death, tributes have poured in for him. Mario Lopez on said, “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on..." Later, during the February 1 episode of Access Hollywood, Lopez added: “He was like a little brother to me. We always remained in contact over the years, and I actually just spoke with him a couple of weeks ago after he got his diagnosis. Even then, he was full of energy, and he was optimistic.”

Actress Tiffani Thiessen also took to Twitter to express her sorrow as she tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin.” “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade,” Mark-Paul Gosselaar added.

I am deeply saddened by I the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin. 💔

— Tiffani Thiessen (@TiffaniThiessen) February 1, 2021

 

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.

— Mark-Paul Gosselaar (@MPG) February 1, 2021

 

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