The curse of Home and Away? From a ‘drug overdose’ to a horror car crash and terrifying on-stage collapse: The death of popular star Ben Unwin becomes the latest tragedy to befall cast members of Aussie soap
Home and Away star Ben Unwin died on August 14, with NSW Police confirming his body had been ‘located’ at Minyon Falls, near Byron Bay.
Police said in a brief statement that the discovery was made during ‘a concern for welfare’ check and the death was ‘not being treated as suspicious’.
While authorities have not disclosed any further details, Ben’s death just one day before his 42nd birthday is the latest in a series of tragedies to befall the cast of the seminal Australian soap opera.
Over the years, several actors who had appeared on the long-running Channel Seven soap have died in both tragic and mysterious circumstances.
The curse of Home and Away? Ben Unwin (pictured) died on August 14, with NSW Police confirming his body was ‘located’ at Minyon Falls, near Byron Bay
On January 6, model Annalise Braakensiek was found dead in her inner-city Sydney apartment after police were alerted by her close friends and family. She was 46.
Annalise, who played Lise for one episode of Home and Away in 1998, had caused concern by posting a series of cryptic Instagram posts shortly before her death.
In one of her last posts from December 15, the troubled actress wrote: ‘Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment’.
Fan favourite: The 41-year-old played Jesse McGregor on the Channel Seven soap from 1996 until 2000, before returning in 2002 and leaving once again in July 2005
Sad: While authorities have not disclosed further details, Ben’s death is the latest in a series of tragedies to befall the cast of the Australian soap opera. Pictured: Ben with Bec Hewitt in 2003
Jessica Falkholt, who played Hope Morrison on the soap in 2016, died on January 17, 2018 following a horror car crash. She was 28.
She had spent three weeks in a critical condition at Sydney’s St George Hospital after the Boxing Day smash on the NSW south coast that also killed her parents and younger sister.
Devastated family members told Daily Mail Australia after Jessica’s death that while it was a sad time, they were at peace knowing the actress was ‘back with her family’.
‘We’re all sad but she is with her family now. Her mum was her biggest supporter so I am sure she is in her arms,’ the relative said.
Heartbreaking: On January 6, model Annalise Braakensiek was found dead in her inner-city Sydney apartment after police were alerted by her close friends and family. She was 46
Throwback: Annalise, who played Lise for one episode of Home and Away in 1998 (pictured), had caused concern by posting a series of cryptic Instagram posts shortly before her death
Russell Kiefel, the actor who played Roy O’Neale from 1993 to 1994, tragically died on November 20, 2016, after collapsing on stage in Darwin.
The 65-year-old was performing in a production of And I’m the Queen of Sheba at Brown’s Mart Theatre when he fell ill, before passing away days later.
He was also known for his stint on Neighbours as Russell Brennan throughout 2015.
Gone too soon: Jessica Falkholt, who played Hope Morrison on the soap in 2016, died on January 17, 2018 following a horror car crash. She was 28. Pictured with co-star Pia Miller
In 2001, actress Megan Connolly reportedly ‘died of a heroin overdose’ at a relative’s home in New South Wales, according to The Independent. She was 27.
Megan had taken over the role of Rebecca Nash in 1998, after actress Belinda Emmett, who previously played the character, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tragically, Belinda lost her battle with cancer in 2006, just a year after marrying TV presenter Rove McManus. She was 32.
Several cast members from Home and Away have died of cancer over the years.
Doing what he loved: Russell Kiefel (pictured), the actor who played Roy O’Neale from 1993 to 1994, tragically died on November 20, 2016, after collapsing on stage in Darwin
Talented: He was also known for his stint on Neighbours as Russell Brennan throughout 2015
In January 2019, Darius Perkins, who played Gary Samuels in 1988, died of the disease aged 54.
He had also played Scott Robinson on Neighbours in 1985, before the role was taken over by Jason Donovan.
On May 4, 2018, Cathy Godbold lost her decade-long fight with cancer. She was 43.
Australians will remember Cathy for playing Meg Bowman on Home and Away in 1992, and Sondra Pike on Neighbours in 1997.
Sad: In 2001, actress Megan Connolly reportedly ‘died of a heroin overdose’ at a relative’s home in New South Wales, according to The Independent. She was 27
Another tragedy: Megan had taken over the role of Rebecca Nash in 1998, after actress Belinda Emmett (pictured), who previously played the character, was diagnosed with breast cancer
