Former Home and Away star Ben Unwin passes away at the age of 41

Publish Date: Wednesday, 21 August 2019, 9:16AM

Former Home and Away actor Ben Unwin has tragically passed away, aged 41.

The actor, who became famous for playing "bad boy" Jesse McGregor in the popular Aussie soap, was found dead on August 14, one day before his birthday.

The cause of death is currently unknown.

New South Wales police have released 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," the statement said.

Unwin - who made his on-screen debut on 20 May 1996 - played Jesse during two stints on the popular soap, between 1996 and 2000 and then from 2002 to 2005.

The cast and crew of #HomeandAway are saddened to hear the passing of Ben Unwin. Ben played the character Jesse McGregor and joined the cast in 1996 - 2000, returning to Summer Bay in 2002 - 2005. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ben. pic.twitter.com/Mcs6246ERO
— Home and Away (@homeandawaytv2) August 20, 2019

His character was often in trouble with the law, with one storyline seeing his character sent to prison after he was accused of burning down Alf Stewart's bait shop.

After leaving acting, Unwin studied for a law degree and later worked as a solicitor.

The Seven Network, which has broadcast Home and Away since 1988, said: "Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate, 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."

Co-stars also took to social media to pay tribute to the actor following the news.

View this post on Instagram

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 ❤️

A post shared by Kimberley Cooper (@kimberleycooper80) on Aug 19, 2019 at 11:13pm PDT

Kimberley Cooper, who starred alongside Unwin as Gypsy Smith, posted a photograph of the pair on the cover of TV Week magazine, saying: "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."

Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts on the show, said: "I'm saddened to hear of Ben's passing. Deepest condolences to his family and friends."

While Ada Nicodemou, whose character Leah Patterson was romantically involved with Jesse McGregor, also expressed her condolences.

"Just woke up to the tragic news of Ben's passing, my heart goes out to his family," Nicodemou said.

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