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.
A South Pacific Pictures spokeswoman confirmed Magasiva's death and said she could not make any further comment.
Police confirmed they were called to a 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.
Magasiva and Sadler travelled to Bali last month to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
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Lizz Sadler and Pua Magasiva at The New Zealand Television Awards at SkyCity in late 2017. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
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.
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Pua Magasiva starred as Vinnie Kruse in Shortland Street. Photo / Supplied
Tributes are already flowing on social media for Magasiva.
Workers from Flava, the radio station Magasiva worked at until last year, wrote on Facebook: "RIP to our brother. Our Thoughts and prayers are with his whānau and friends".
Olympian Dame Valerie Adams tweeted: "Rest In Peace Pua Magasiva. Thoughts and prayers to the family".
Rest In Peace Pua Magasiva. Thoughts and prayers to the family. ❤️ https://t.co/cGPJFwwTie
— Dame Valerie Adams (@ValerieAdams84) May 11, 2019
Television and radio presenter Mike Puru described Magasiva as a good guy.
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."
https://t.co/3TEktVicG3 Sending my love to his friends and family - he would always stop and say hello to anyone that would say hi to him - bloody good guy
— Mike Puru (@MikePuruNZ) May 11, 2019
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."
Cassie Roma said: "My friend is gone. My heart is so, so sore. Please, if you need help, reach out. I know it's hard. We can all do hard things. Go well, Pua. Go well."
No words uso, praying for your family at this time 💔 @PuaMagasiva rest in love pic.twitter.com/CbLrkQpSm2
— Vince Harder (@vinceharder) May 11, 2019
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."
RIP Pua, I’m speechless. You were such a delightful, caring, kind and beautiful character. Always had a spring in your step. Much love @PuaMagasiva ❤️
— Mary Haddock-Staniland (@MaryHadStan) May 11, 2019
A police spokeswoman said there were no suspicious circumstances and the death would be referred to the Coroner.
Where to get help:
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services:(06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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