The cast of Home and Away are paying tribute to their friend and colleague, Ben Unwin, who tragically passed away at age 41.
Kristy Wright took to Instagram to share an emotional message honouring her decades-long friendship with the Aussie actor.
WATCH: Ben Unwin stars in Home & Away as ‘Jesse McGregor’
The Home and Away actress shared ten photos of herself with Ben over the course of their friendship, many of which appeared to be photos from magazines.
Kristy also penned a moving caption:
“I’m completely lost for words.. heartbroken and shattered. 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 favorite 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 @homeandaway 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. 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. I saw into your beautiful soul and you saw me.. we were both big on maintaining eye contact.. you always made me feel beautiful and you made me laugh.. every day and anywhere I was with you. 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. ❤️❤️❤️”
The Home and Away Instagram account also paid tribute to Ben, posting a photo of him last night.
“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,” the page wrote in the caption.
A spokesperson for Seven Network has also released an official statement: “Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate, Ben Unwin.
“Ben’s work in the role of Jesse McGregor is remembered with much affection.
“Ben’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family,” Ben’s co-star, Ada Nicodemou told Yahoo Lifestyle.
Her character, Leah Patterson-Baker, briefly dated Ben’s character during the show.
Another one of Ben’s castmates, Lynne McGranger – who currently plays Irene Roberts – described it as a “terrible tragedy.”
“Deepest condolences to his friends and family,” she said.
In an official statement to New Idea on about August 14, an NSW Police representative said: “At midday, police attended Minyon Fall, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare.”
“The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious.”
More as this story develops.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; SuicideLine 1300 651 251; MensLine 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
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