Tributes flood in after Kiwi star Pua Magasiva found dead, age 38

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.

Lizz Sadler and Pua Magasiva at The New Zealand Television Awards at SkyCity in late 2017. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Magasiva and Sadler travelled to Bali last month to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

The actor rose to fame on Shortland Street where he played nurse Vinnie Kruse-Miller from 2003-2006, and then returned from 2011-2018.

Pua Magasiva starred as Vinnie Kruse in Shortland Street. Photo / Supplied

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.

NZME chief executive Michael Boggs said: "It is with deep sadness that the NZME family has today been told of the sudden death of Pua Magasiva. At this incredibly difficult time our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to Pua's family, friends and his many colleagues. For us at NZME, Pua was a loved member of our radio team at Flava. We've been in touch with Pua's former work mates and are offering them support".

Magasiva also had roles in the Power Rangers television series, Sione's Wedding and Outrageous Fortune.

Ninja Storm was an important Power Rangers season for me.
It was the first one that hit every note I could want in a show. Corny, action-packed, funny, dramatic, witty.

And it all relied on an amazing cast and crew.
Gonna miss you Pua Magasiva. Bless you, wherever you are. pic.twitter.com/xURSOJCTW9
— Elvis Dutan (@the_snickman) May 11, 2019

Tributes are already flowing on social media for Magasiva.

Workers from Flava wrote on Facebook: "RIP to our brother. Our Thoughts and prayers are with his whānau and friends".

R&B artist Vince Harder wrote: "No words uso, praying for your family at this time. Rest in love".

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

Hits radio presenter Mike Puru described Magasiva as a good guy.

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

Fellow Outrageous Fortune co-star Shane Cortese said he had experienced the honour of seeing the glint in Magasiva's eye "and the sound of his hearty laugh close hand".

"My heart goes out to the Magasiva family.”

My heart goes out to the Magasiva family and the extended television alumni who had the honor of seeing the glint in his eye and the sound of his hearty laugh close hand.
RIP my friend #puamagasiva @ShortlandTweet
— Shane Cortese (@ShaneCortese) May 11, 2019

Another Outrageous Fortune actor, Antony Starr, said his thoughts were with Magasiva's loved ones.

RIP Pua. Heart goes out to those you leave behind.
— Antony Starr (@antonystarr) May 11, 2019

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."

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."

The death of Pua Magasiva is a gut punch, the way that only these types of deaths can be. The social media tributes read similarly to Greg Boyed... smart, kind, funny, talented, thoughtful... and troubled. A tragedy in every sense. Be kind to each other.
— Hilary Pearson (@Arohanui_hils) 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.

This article was first published on NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.

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