Beloved former Shortland Street star Pua Magasiva found dead

Former Shortland Street star Pua Magasiva has passed away.

A spokesperson for South Pacific Pictures confirmed the death to Newshub.

The 38‑year‑old found fame as Vinnie Kruse in the long‑running show Shortland Street and has also had on‑screen roles in Sione's Wedding, Outrageous Fortune and Power Rangers.

New Zealand Police confirmed to Newshub they were called to a sudden death at a Wellington CBD address in the early hours of this morning.

There are no suspicious circumstances.

He had been a host on radio station Flava, but left last year after being convicted of drink‑driving for a reported third time.

In 2017, Magasiva pleaded guilty to a drink‑driving charge and was sentenced to 80 hours community service.

He was also disqualified from holding a driver's license for 13 months.

Magasiva married his wife Lizz Sadler in April 2018 after meeting on Instagram.

Both Sadler and Magasiva have a child from previous relationships.

He is a Shortland Street veteran, appearing on the show until last year.

Magasiva's death has immediately shocked fans here in Fiji with many thanking him for the great childhood memories.

Isa o Vinnie !!! Rest in Peace !!@nzherald https://t.co/W2WaDNyQH1

— ʀᴜsɪᴀᴛᴇ🌾 (@rchrdpenani) May 11, 2019

when pua magasiva came to fiji, we spent a lot of time with him because dad organized his trip. he was just as bubbly and funny irl as he seems on tv. I remember he told me “hey tell your friends I’m your uncle”

I was so shocked to hear about his passing.

— 𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔞 (@arialeotaete) May 11, 2019

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