'RIP to our brother': Tributes for former Shortland Street star Pua Magasiva

An industry is grieving alongside family and friends for Pua Magasiva, who rose to fame on Shortland Street and was a host on NZME radio station Flava, who died today in Wellington. Photo / File

A genuinely nice guy and much loved friend is how former Shortland Street actor Pua Magasiva is being described in tributes on social media.

The 38-year-old husband and father died suddenly this morning, sending shock waves through the entertainment industry and around the country.

Actor Shane Cortese said on Twitter: "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."

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

Outrageous Fortune and Shortland Street star Nicole Whippy said: "l'll never forget that beautiful smile brother. My heart breaks for your aiga [family]."

Cheeky Pua. I’ll never forget that beautiful smile brother. My heart breaks for your aiga 💔

— Nicole Whippy (@NicoleWhippy) May 11, 2019

Radio and television presenter Mike Puru remembered Magasiva as a "bloody good guy" who would always stop to talk to people.

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

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

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A post shared by Shortland Street (@shortlandstreetofficial) on May 10, 2019 at 10:14pm PDT

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

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

Magasiva 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 workmates and are offering them support."

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

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 (@hilary_pearson_) May 11, 2019

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

Also 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."

"My friend is gone," wrote Cassie Roma. "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."

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 (She/Her) (@MaryHadStan) May 11, 2019

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 early this morning.

His brother Robbie was in Wellington along with other family members.

Magasiva, who has a young daughter from his first marriage, married Lizz Sadler in April last year, 18 months after meeting on Instagram. Sadler also has a daughter from a previous relationship.

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

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

In 2015, he split up with his previous wife, Kourtney, whom he had married in 2012.

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.