KEY POINTS:
Cast and crew of the TV series All Saints are struggling to come to terms with the death of cast member Mark Priestley, the Seven Network says.
A spokeswoman today confirmed the actor, who played nurse Dan Goldman in the long-running drama, took his own life.
She said
the cast was "devastated" when informed this morning on set, particularly Jolene Anderson, who played his on-screen wife.
It has also emerged that Anderson injured her arm when her car was struck by a truck in an accident yesterday.
"They were incredibly close, their two characters just got married," the spokeswoman said.
"Like other members of the cast and crew, Jolene is struggling to come to terms with the death of her dear friend overnight."
The spokeswoman said Priestley had been proud of Anderson's theatre musical role in Tell Me On A Sunday.
"No one loved her doing it more than Mark, he was thrilled," she said.
The "very close, tight-knit group" were informed on set and filming was called off for the day, she said.
"They were devastated so we closed the set immediately as people were trying to come to terms with the tragedy," the spokeswoman said.
"We'll endeavour to get back to filming tomorrow."
Priestly's death is the latest in a string of incidents to rock the cast this year.
In June, cast member Virginia Gay was allegedly mugged in Sydney.
Her alleged attackers also have been charged with murder over the bashing death of a chef.
"The cast have been rocked by two tragedies," the Seven spokeswoman said.
"Virginia's own violent attack and now this."
As news of Priestley's death spread, fans took to websites to pay tribute to the actor.
Seven's head of programming Tim Worner described the 32-year-old Perth-born actor as a "brilliant artist".
"His work on stage and screen was admired by everybody who knew him," he said.
"His death is such a sad loss. We at Channel Seven will miss his energy and smile.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark's family and friends."
Priestley had his first break when he appeared in The Farm in 2000 before landing a role in the mini-series Changi.
He also appeared in dramas The Secret Life of Us and Blue Heelers.
He joined the cast of All Saints, playing easy-going nurse Goldman, in 2004.
Born in Perth, he moved to Sydney in 1997 to study acting at NIDA.
Priestley also had theatre roles including in the Sydney Theatre Company's Major Barbara in 2003.
- AAP
