Pua Magasiva, who played the Red Ranger in the mid-2000s rebooted TV show Power Rangers has died age 38.
Pua was found early on Saturday morning in a Wellington, New Zealand home and police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances.
‘There are no suspicious circumstances and the death will be referred to the coroner,’ the police said.
The actor, best known for his work on the TV show as well as long-running New Zealand soap Shortland Street, on which he had starred since 1994 as nurse Vinnie Kruse-Miller.
He left the show in 2006 but made his return in 2011 before leaving again in April 2018.
He then appeared in the 2003-2004 series Power Rangers Ninja Storm as Shane Clarke / Red Wind Ranger.
‘We are all absolutely devastated at the tragic news regarding Pua Magasiva,’ shared Shortland Street’s social accounts.
‘Pua was a much loved member of the South Pacific Pictures’ family for many years and our hearts and thoughts go out to Pua’s family at this time.’
— Shortland Street (@ShortlandTweet) May 11, 2019
In 2017, Magasiva pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge.
He was sentenced to 80 hours community service and was disqualified from holding a driver’s license for 13 months; it was thought to be his third conviction for drink-driving.
He married his wife Lizz Sadler in April 2018 after the pair met on Instagram; he also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Shortland Street actress Kerry-Lee Dewing posted a simple message on Instagram which read ‘RIP’ and a broken heart emoji while friend Cassie Roma said her heart was ‘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.’
Actor Jay Laga’aia said he was devastated: ‘I worked with him only a fortnight ago and thought how easy our young Polynesian talents thrive in this industry. My thoughts go out to his family.’
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