Pua Magasiva, an actor who has starred in multiple Power Rangers television shows, as well as the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, sadly passed away this.
He was 38 years old.
Details about what transpired are still being made known, but here is what we’ve learned so far:
The New Zealand Herald writes that police were called to a home in Wellington, New Zealand early on Saturday morning… where they found Magasiva unresponsive.
An official spokesperson for the police department told the newspaper that they found “no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death,” and that it would soon be referring the case to the coroner.
Magasiva portrayed the Shane Clarke, the Red Wind Ranger, in "Power Rangers Ninja Storm," which marked the 11th television installment of the popular superhero franchise.
The Samoan-born actor had also appeared as nurse Vinnie Kruse in hundreds of episodes of "Shortland Street," one of New Zealand’s most popular daytime dramas.
He debuted in the role in 2003, at the height of his fame, and has starred in the show since his return in 2012.
"We are all absolutely devastated at the tragic news regarding Pua Magasiva," the soap opera’s production company wrote on social media Saturday, adding:
"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."
For Magasiva, this family is comprised of wife Lizz Sadler, a seven-year-old daughter from his previous marriage; and his brother Robbie. (Sadler also has a daughter from a previous relationship.)
Magasiva and Sadler got married last April, nearly 10 months after meeting in October of 2016, according to Flava, a New Zealand radio station where Magasiva had co-hosted a morning show prior to his death.
The pair had met after Sadler began following the actor on Instagram.
"Family is everything! Through the struggles, troubles through it all they will always be there for you… I love you all to the moon and back #mylove," wrote Magasiva as a caption to the sweet photo above last April.
He last posted to Instagram several days prior to his death, when he and his loved ones took a trip together outside Wellington.
This photo is from that vacation:
Wrote Power Rangers co-star Jason Chan on Facebook after this tragic news went public:
"Incredibly sad to hear that one of our ranger family is gone. It will never be the same again. PUA you will be so dearly missed.
"You were the center of energy on set and off. Always laughing, giggling and involved in practical jokes."
Added Shane Cortese, one of Magasiva’s co-stars from the television program Outrageous Fortune:
My heart goes out to the Magasiva family and the extended television alumni who had the honor of seeing the glint in his eye and the sound of his hearty laugh close hand.RIP my friend #puamagasiva @ShortlandTweet.May Pua Magasiva rest in peace.
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