Former Shortland Street actor Pua Magasiva has died. Police confirm they were called to a sudden death at an address in the Wellington CBD on Saturday morning.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and the death will be referred to the coroner,” a Police spokesman said.
The 38-year-old was best known for playing Vinnie Kruse on Shortland Street between 2003 and 2006 and then again between 2011 and 2018.
He leaves behind his wife of one year, Lizz Sadler, daughter Jasmine and stepdaughter Laylah.
As recently as last month, Pua and Lizz holidayed in Bali to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary.
His brother, fellow actor Robbie Magasiva, has reportedly flown to Wellington to be with family.
Pua and Lizz at the 2017 New Zealand television awards.
Tributes to the actor have been pouring in on social media.
Shortland Street producer Simon Bennett tweeted “Pua Magasiva was funny, caring and kind. Wonderful to work and play with. So sad for his family.”
Actor Shane Cortese praised his friend and colleague: “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.”
Broadcaster and TV host Mike Puru said “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.”
Melanie Bracewell, who worked with him at NZME when he co-hosted the Flava radio show in 2018, said “I’m so devastated to hear about Pua. When I worked at Hauraki, he would smile and wave at me every single morning through the window.
“A smile and wave every day for a year without fail. I’m truly heartbroken, thoughts with his close friends and family.”
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