Ben Unwin death: Home and Away star who played Jesse McGregor found dead aged 41

Actor played Jesse McGregor on the popular TV soap from 1996-2000, and then 2002-2005

Roisin O'Connor
Tuesday 20 August 2019 08:28 BST
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Ben Unwin appearing as Jesse McGregor in Home and Away

Home and Away star Ben Unwin has died aged 41, New South Wales police have confirmed.

According to reports, the actor's body was discovered last week on 14 August. The cause of death is currently unknown.

"Police attended Minyon Falls, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare," the NSW police statement read.

"The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious."

Unwin played "bad boy" Jesse McGregor on Home and Away from 1996-2000 and then 2002-2005. In one storyline, his character was sent to jail after being accused of burning down Alf Stewart's bait shop for insurance money.

In 1997, he was nominated for a British National Television award for his "outstanding performance as a newcomer" to the industry, along with a Logie nomination for Most Popular New Talent.

After leaving the popular TV soap, he reportedly studied law and worked as a solicitor.

His former co-star Ada Nicodemou paid tribute to Unwin in a post from her Instagram account, commenting: "I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben's passing, my heart goes out to his family."

Her character Leah Patterson-Baker had a brief romance with Unwin's character on the show.

The team at Channel 7, the maker of Home and Away, said they were "saddened" to learn of Unwin's death.

"Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate Ben Unwin," a statement said.

"Ben's work in the role of Jesse McGregor is remembered with much affection. Ben's family are in our thoughts and prayers."

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