Pua Magasiva, best known for his role as Shane Clarke, the Red Wind Ranger, in “Power Rangers Ninja Storm,” died suddenly in New Zealand. He was 38.
Police responded to a call about a sudden death early in Wellington, New Zealand, on Saturday, May 11, according to the New Zealand Herald. A police spokeswoman confirmed with the Herald that Magasiva had died, but added that “there were no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death.
Magasiva also starred in hundreds of episodes of “Shortland Street,” where he played nurse Vinne Kruse. The production company also confirmed his death on their social media, writing: “We are all absolutely devastated at the tragic news regarding Pua Magasiva.
They added, “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.”
— Shortland Street (@ShortlandTweet) May 11, 2019
Fellow “Power Rangers” co-star Jason Chan wrote on Facebook: “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.”
He added, “You caught me as I slipped in ep 1 running towards Ninja ops. It was so easy for you, caught my arm as you running too, righted me and kept right in character. I’ll never forget that. It was a symbol of how you had everyone’s back. RIP Pua you will be so dearly missed.”
Magasiva also starred in the TV shows “Outrageous Fortune” and “Diplomatic Immunity,” according to IMDb.
“Outrageous Fortune” co-star Antony Starr wrote on Twitter, “RIP Pua. Heart goes out to those you leave behind.”
RIP Pua. Heart goes out to those you leave behind.
— Antony Starr (@antonystarr) May 11, 2019
Shane Cortese, another “Outrageous Fortune” co-star, also took to Twitter to express his sorrow at the news of Magasiva’s death.
“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,” he wrote. “RIP my friend.”
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— Shane Cortese (@ShaneCortese) May 11, 2019
Magasiva was married to his wife, Lizz Sadler, for just a year. He has a 7-year-old daughter, Jasmine, from his first marriage with Kourtney.
Television personality Mike Puru wrote on Twitter, “Sending my love to his friends and family—he would always stop and say hello to anyone that would say hi to him.”
https://t.co/3TEktVicG3 Sending my love to his friends and family – he would always stop and say hello to anyone that would say hi to him – bloody good guy
— Mike Puru (@MikePuruNZ) May 11, 2019
In his last Instagram post, from about a week ago, it seems Magasiva was on vacation. He captioned the picture “Can’t beat my view atm,” adding the hashtags “#familygetaway #livelife #getoutofthecity.”
According to Stuff New Zealand, Magasiva was hailed a hero in 2017 when he helped to save the life of a motorist who was involved in an accident.
A man had somehow managed to get off the road and crashed into a tree along the Hibiscus Coast Highway in Orewa in North Auckland, according to the report. The force of the impact was so great that the driver was trapped inside and the car burst into flames, according to the report. Magasiva was among a group of rescuers who pulled the unconscious driver from the burning car.
Awesome work @PuaMagasiva and the other motorists who stopped and helped ❤️???????? https://t.co/MiFaXQS5V9
— Alice-Rachel (@alicerb123) January 9, 2017
