Home and Away actor Ben Unwin has died, aged 41

He played Jesse McGregor in the long running soap.

Home and Away actor Ben Unwin has passed away, according to reports. New South Wales police confirmed the 41-year-old's passing in a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle Australia this morning, saying that they had discovered the body of a man on August 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious. “Police attended Minyon Falls, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare," they said. “The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious.” Unwin was best known for playing Jesse McGregor in the long running soap. He portrayed the character from 1996 to 2000 only to reprise his role in 2002 for three more years. The actor received a Logie Award nomination in 1997 for the Most Popular New Talent category.

He was also nominated for a British National Television award in the same year.

Co-star Ada Nicodemou has since paid tribute to Unwin. The pair had worked closely together on the soap when her character, Leah Patterson-Baker, entered a romance with McGregor.

“I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family," she said.

Home and Away has also issued a statement on behalf of their cast and crew.

"The cast and crew of Home and Away are saddened to hear the passing of Ben Unwin," they said.

"Ben played the character Jesse McGregor and joined the cast in 1996 - 2000, returning to Summer Bay in 2002 - 2005. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ben."

After leaving the soap, Unwin took a step back from actor and completed a law degree.

He later started work as a solicitor.