Australian actor Ben Unwin sadly died last week, aged 41.
In a statement, NSW Police said they were called to Minyon Falls 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.
The actor was beloved for his long-running role as Jesse McGregor on Home and Away. His first turn on the drama was from 1996 to 2000, though he later returned from 2002 to 2005.
Ben was nominated for his role at the 1997 TV WEEK Logie Awards, for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent.
Ben with Ada Nicodemou on Home and Away.
Tributes to Ben have been pouring in from fans and former co-stars, with Ada Nicodemou, Lynne McGranger and Kimberley Cooper among those to share their condolences.
Ben’s on-screen love interest Kristy Wright, who played Chloe Richards, shared an emotional post on Instagram overnight, calling him “Beautiful Benny” as she reminisced on fond memories.
“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.”
Vale, Ben Unwin.
Kristy, 41, continued her post to express her sorrow over his death.
“I sit here, with tears, as I look through old photos of us on our magical journey into adulthood. I feel privileged to have known you the way I did,” she wrote.
“You were one of the most talented people I know, one of the kindest, smartest and funniest. You were a rock star. I am hearing your laugh now as I write this. We haven’t spoken in a few years and I can not express in this moment how sorry I am for that… I can’t believe you’re not looking at the same sky as me right now.
“I miss you now that I know I will never see you again.. I will forever regret not reaching out more.. Beautiful Benny, Unners, Dingers… I’m so sorry. I love you. RIP my old friend.. see you on the next magical journey. Love, Bubs,” she signed off.
Our thoughts are with Ben’s family and friends in this time. Rest In Peace, 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.
