Ben Unwin, who was best known for starring in Home and Away, sadly lost his life at 41 after a tragic death.
His character appeared on the show on-and-off for several years. He originally joined the cast in 1996 in a role that was specifically made for him – Jesse McGregor.
Before that, he held three other once-off and short-term roles between 1993 and 1995.
He remained on Home and Away as Jesse for four years, but eventually returned in 2002 before leaving for good in 2005.
Ben was nominated for Most Popular New Talent at the 1997 Australian TV Logie Awards.
His character was known for his relationships with several ladies in Summer Bay, including Selina Cook played by Tempany Deckert, Gypsy Nash played by Kimberley Cooper and Leah Patterson-Baker played by Ada Nicodemou.
The reason for his initial departure was due to him being sent to prison for burning down the local bait shop. Jesse was sent back to prison again in 2005 after he was held responsible for the death of Chloe Richards, played by Kristy Wright, who was struck by his vehicle in a hit-and-run.
The car crash stunt was part of Home and Away’s 4,000th episode. It was reported at the time that Ben wanted to pursue opportunities in America.
Ben worked in the music industry for a period. He directed music videos for Culture Club, including ‘I Just Wanna Be Loved’ and Chumbawamba’s major hit ‘Tubthumping’.
However, he later pursued a legal career. After completing a law degree, Ben became a senior solicitor in Newcastle, New South Wales.
At the age of 41, Ben died on 14 August 2019 after his body was found at the bottom of Minyon Falls in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, New South Wales.
The New South Wales police issued a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle at the time which said that “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.
A local told Daily Mail Australia at the time that Aboriginal tribes in the area believe that Minon Falls in Whian Whian, which is 100 metres tall, is “cursed” and has “bad spirits”.
Following his passing, his former co-star Ada Nicodemou said: “I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family.”