Former Shortland Street star Pua Magasiva has been found dead.
The Herald understands the body of the 38-year-old was found in Wellington this morning.
His brother Robbie, also an actor, has flown to Wellington to be with other family members and Magasiva’s widow Lizz Sadler.
Police confirmed they were called to sudden death at an address in the Wellington central business district in the early hours of this morning.
Magasiva, who has a young daughter from his first marriage, married Sadler in April last year, 18 months after meeting on Instagram. Sadler also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
The actor rose to fame on Shortland Street where he played nurse Vinnie Kruse-Miller from 1994 to last year.
He also had roles in the Power Rangers television series, Sione’s Wedding and Outrageous Fortune.
He co-hosted the breakfast show on Flava, a radio station owned by NZME, but left the show last year. NZME is the publisher of the Herald.
He was convicted of drink driving on a number of occasions.
In 2015, he split up with his previous wife, Kourtney, whom he had married in 2012.
Tributes are already flowing on social media for Magasiva.
On Twitter Scotty Williams wrote: “Absolutely shocked by the news to hear of your passing brother. May your family find comfort at this time. Ia Manuia Lau Malaga… #RIP.”
Brittany Raleigh said: “When I was in first year uni I got way too drunk at Margies [as we all did] and Pua Magasiva came across us and helped my mate carry me back to the halls of residence and made sure we were okay. RIP to a genuinely good guy.”
Mary Haddock-Staniland wrote: “RIP Pua, I’m speechless. You were such a delightful, caring, kind and beautiful character. Always had a spring in your step. Much love.”
A police spokeswoman said there were no suspicious circumstances and the death would be referred to the Coroner.
