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Pua Magasiva's family in 'acute stage of grief'

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Sun, 12 May 2019, 9:15AM
Magasiva, pictured here with brother Robbie, has passed away aged 38. (Photo / File)
Magasiva, pictured here with brother Robbie, has passed away aged 38. (Photo / File)

Pua Magasiva's family in 'acute stage of grief'

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Sun, 12 May 2019, 9:15AM

Pua Magasiva's family are in an "acute stage of grief" after his sudden death this weekend.

In a statement provided to the Herald this afternoon a spokesperson for the late actor's family - including twin brother Tanu and actor brother Robbie - thanked the public.

"Pua's family members are in the acute stage of grief and are not in a place to comment at this time other than to acknowledge the public outpouring of love for Pua and to thank all those who've expressed their condolences and offered their support," the statement said.

Tributes are also flowing from across the world for the 38-year-old former Shortland Street star died suddenly overnight Friday during a visit to Wellington, where much of his family live. His wife is understood to have been in the capital with him.

He had been on a night out with friends at a bar in the Inter-Continental hotel in the capital's CBD shortly before 7pm. He was welcoming to both staff and other bar-goers.

"He was happy, upbeat and talking to everyone including the bar staff," a fellow guest said.

"He was very positive ... and complimenting the staff.

Pua Magasiva as Vinnie Kruse in Shortland Street. Photo / Supplied

Pua Magasiva as Vinnie Kruse in Shortland Street. Photo / Supplied

"I thought 'that's one positive guy and an exceptionally good actor'."

Magasiva was also asking which were Wellington's top bars.

The man took a series of photos and a short video after recognising Magasiva from his acting roles to share with his friends.

Several hours later the man returned to the hotel and saw several police cars outside.

He didn't realise the officers were following up Magasiva's death until yesterday afternoon when he read stories of the actor's death.

Yesterday Magasiva's older brother, actor Robbie, who lives in Australia but was in Auckland on Friday, was flying to be with family in Wellington.

Management of the Inter-Continental would not comment to the Herald on Sunday last night.

Earlier, police had confirmed they were called to a sudden death at an address in the Wellington central business district in the early hours of Saturday morning. The death will be referred to the coroner.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shortland Street (@shortlandstreetofficial) on May 10, 2019 at 10:14pm PDT

A spokeswoman for South Pacific Pictures, which makes Shortland Street, confirmed Magasiva's death and said she could not make any further comment.

On Friday morning, Magasiva's wife Lizz Sadler posted a photo on Instagram from Wellington airport saying 'arrived'. The couple married in April last year, 18 months after meeting on Instagram.

Magasiva has a young daughter from his first marriage, and Sadler has a daughter from a previous relationship.

The pair travelled to Bali last month to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

Born in Apia, Samoa, Magasiva moved to New Zealand aged just 2, was raised in Wellington and attended St Patrick's College.

Magasiva had played the much-loved role of nurse Vinnie Kruse between 2003-06 and then 2011-18.

Fellow former Shortland Street stars Nicole Whippy and Teuila Blakely were among high-profile actresses and actors to post their sorrow yesterday.

Blakely put up a post of a broken heart on Instagram, while Whippy posted: "I'll never forget that beautiful smile brother. My heart breaks for your aiga [family]."

Shane Cortese – who has starred in Shortland Street as well as Nothing Trivial and Westside – wrote: "My heart goes out to the Magasiva family and the extended television alumni who had the honour of seeing the glint in his eye and the sound of his hearty laugh close hand. RIP my friend."

Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Valerie Adams also shared her sorrow, posting: "Rest in Peace Pua Magasiva. Thoughts and prayers to the family."

Magasiva was also known internationally for his role in Power Rangers Ninja Storm.

The first Samoan Power Ranger, Magasiva was said to have "helped usher in a new age of Power Rangers" under the Disney label in 2003.

Many former cast members and crew from the movie responded to news of his death.

"Unbelievably sad to hear the news," said Jason Chan - who played Cam the Samurai Green Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Storm.

"Our dear friend, fellow actor in Ninja Storm was such a ball of energy, so full of life and inspired all arund him to live to the fullest.

"I will always remember his smiles, giggling, deep laughter in all circumstances. RIP Pua Magasiva you will be dearly missed."

Glen McMillan, the Yellow Ranger, posted behind the scenes photos of Magasiva on Instagram.

"My heart aches for our beloved Pua," he wrote.

"Always fun, full of energy, lifted up those around him…I'll always remember you this way. Rest easy brother."

Executive producer Douglas Sloan took to Twitter to post his condolences.

"I am devastated," he said.

"Pua was a kind, loving, beautiful man with the heart of a lion and the joy of a puppy.

"I loved the guy. Please say a prayer for his family tonight. RIP mate."

"Crimson Ranger" Adam Tuominen also posted a behind the scenes photograph.

"This photo captures the kind of person Pua was – funny, energetic, always making people laugh," he wrote on Instagram.

Magasiva had 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 on Sunday.

NZME chief executive Michael Boggs said: "It is with deep sadness that the NZME family has today been told of the sudden death of Pua Magasiva.

"At this incredibly difficult time our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to Pua's family, friends and his many colleagues.

Pua Magasiva (left) and brother Robbie Magasiva in 2011. Photo / New Zealand Herald.

Pua Magasiva (left) and brother Robbie Magasiva in 2011. Photo / New Zealand Herald.

"For us at NZME, Pua was a loved member of our radio team at Flava. We've been in touch with Pua's former workmates and are offering them support."

Workers from Flava wrote on Facebook: "RIP to our brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with his whānau and friends."

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