The tributes continue to flow for former Home And Away star Ben Unwin after he tragically died age 41 last week.
Laraine Emmett, who is mother to Ben’s late co-star Belinda Emmett, took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her sadness over the death.
Posting a series of throwback images of Ben and Belinda pictured together during their time on Home and Away, Laraine shared how close the former co-stars once were.
“Great mates in Home and at Play 💕💕💕💕now with Belle,” Laraine captioned one shot.
She added to another: “So Sad 😭 Now with Beautiful Belle. RIP Ben.”
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READ NEXT: Home and Away actor Ben Unwin tragically dies at age 41
Belinda Emmett found fame on Home and Away and was married to Gold Logie winner Rove McManus before succumbing to her cancer battle in 2006.
Earlier this week, Yahoo Lifestyle reported Ben, who played Jesse McGregor on the popular soap, had died.
In a statement, NSW Police said they were called to Minyon Galls in the Whian Whian State Conservation area, near Byron Bay, after locals “responded to a concern for welfare”.
“The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious,” police said in a statement.
READ NEXT: Looking back on Ben Unwin’s time as Jesse McGregor on Home and Away
Belinda Emmett pictured with Rove McManus.
(Image: Getty Images)Following news of the death, Ben’s former co-stars shared heartbreaking tributes online.
Kimberley Cooper, who played Ben’s on-screen love interest Gypsy Nash in the late 90s, took to Instagram to share an image of the pair together on the cover of TV WEEK magazine.
“My first TV WEEK cover was with you. We had years of laughter, be it giggles on set trying to get through scenes as lovers or doubled over belly laughs at the pubs after work,” she wrote.
“I will be sad for now, but I promise to tell stories of great joy about our times together. You forever hold a special place in my heart. Love you Onion.”
Jesse with co-stars Kate Ritchie and Ryan Kwanten in 1998.
(Image: Instagram)Kristy Wright, another actress who played a love interest for Jesse on Home and Away, also revealed she was “heartbroken” about the loss.
“I’m completely lost for words. Heartbroken and shattered,” Kristy began.
“In 1992 I met you for the first time and immediately fell into a crazy school girl crush. Watching you sing Tom Jones ‘If I only knew’ in your tight white pants is one of my favourite memories of you and just the first of so many. We were kids with the same dream and pretty quickly we became friends.. my crush disappeared but my love for you was just beginning.
“Years later we both found ourselves working on that little show Home and Away and our friendship grew deeper. You harassed the writers to create a love story between our characters and when it finally happened we laughed our way through it and were just so happy to have the chance to work so closely with each other.”
Channel Seven also made an official statement about Ben’s passing.
“The cast and crew of Home and Away are saddened to hear the passing of Ben Unwin. Ben played the character Jesse McGregor and joined the cast in 1996 – 2000, returning to Summer Bay in 2002 – 2005. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ben.”
If you are seeking mental support for yourself or a loved one, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
WATCH: See Ben Unwin as Jesse on Home and Away below.
