Ben Unwin – Home and Away star who played Jesse McGregor discovered dead aged 41

Home and Away star Ben Unwin has died aged 41, New South Wales Police Force have affirmed after his body was found on 14 August.

As per reports, the actor’s body was found a week ago on 14 August. The reason for death is right now unknown.

“Police attended Minyon Falls, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare,” the NSW police statement read.

“The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious.”

Ben Unwin played “bad boy” Jesse McGregor on Home and Away from 1996-2000 and afterward 2002-2005. In one storyline, his character was sent to imprison after being blamed for torching Alf Stewart’s bait shop for insurance money.

In 1997, Ben Unwin was nominated for a British National Television award for his “outstanding performance as a newcomer” to the industry, alongside a Logie nomination for Most Popular New Talent.

After leaving the well-known TV soap, Ben Unwin apparently studied law and worked as a solicitor.

His previous co-star Ada Nicodemou paid tribute to Ben Unwin in a post from her Instagram account, remarking: “I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family.”

Her character Leah Patterson-Baker had a short romance with Ben Unwin’s character on the show.

The team at Channel 7, the creator of Home and Away, said they were “saddened” to learn of Ben Unwin’s demise.

“Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate Ben Unwin,” a statement said.

“Ben’s work in the role of Jesse McGregor is remembered with much affection. Ben’s family are in our thoughts and prayers.”