Home and Away star Ben Unwin has died at the age of 41, it has been announced.
The body of the Australian actor was found on 14 August. The cause of death is currently unknown but is not being treated as suspicious.
New South Wales Police confirmed his death in a statement, saying: “Police attended Minyon Falls, 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.”
Ben played bad boy Jesse McGregor on Home And Away from 1996 to 2000, before rejoining the Australian soap for another stint from 2002 to 2005.
One of his most memorable storylines saw his character sent to jail after being accused of burning down Alf Stewart’s bait shop for insurance money.
He quit acting to study law, and after completing a degree he worked as a senior solicitor in Newcastle, New South Wales.
In a statement, Channel 7, the makers of Home and Away said it was “saddened” to learn of Ben’s passing.
A spokesperson said: “Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former cast mate, 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.”
The Home and Away cast have also paid tribute to Ben on social media.
Kimberley Cooper, who played Gypsy Smith on the soap, shared a snap of a magazine cover they appeared on together.
Kimberley wrote: “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.
“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.”
Ada Nicodemou, whose character Leah Patterson-Baker had a brief romance with Ben’s character on the show, also took to Instagram to remember him, calling the news of his death “tragic”.
She wrote: “I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family.”
