Robbie Magasiva has opened up about the death of his brother Pua, saying he tried to help him before he died.
In May, Pua, the 38-year-old actor well-known for his roles on Shortland Street, Sione's Wedding and Power Rangers, was found dead in unsuspicious circumstances in Wellington.
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Robbie, who plays Will Jackson in Wentworth, told Woman's Day he could see that his younger brother was struggling but his suggestion for him to seek help was turned away.
"When I was in Melbourne, I had reached out and said I was worried about him. I could foresee the fall. I'd suggested a counsellor, but he didn't want to hear it."
Robbie also recounted the harrowing phone call he had to make to his parents, to tell them of the death of their son.
"That wasn't a good phone call. When Dad answered, he was all chipper, and then I had to tell him and he started wailing.
"I'd never heard that before. In the background, I could hear Mum yelling, 'What's wrong, what's wrong?' And he had to tell her."
In June, Robbie shared an image of a tattoo of island flowers he received in honour of Pua, posted with the hashtag "#missyoupoos".
Robbie told Woman's Day that his whole family are going through a tough grieving process.
"To be honest, life will never be the same for us," he told Woman's Day.
"Everyone is coping differently, but we are all grieving."
'Bloody good guy'
Having appeared on Kiwi television for decades, Pua Magasiva's death immediately shocked fans and other New Zealand celebrities.
Tributes poured in on his Facebook page, with fans writing on previous posts of Magasiva's.
Shot put champion Valerie Adams tweeted: "Rest In Peace Pua Magasiva. Thoughts and prayers to the family."
Radio and television star Mike Puru shared his condolences.
"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."
One Twitter user said: "Can't believe Vinnie aka Pua Magasiva is dead", while another was speechless.
"I don't know what to say. R.I.P Pua Magasiva," they said.
"I'm speechless. You were such a delightful, caring, kind and beautiful character. Always had a spring in your step," said Mary Haddock-Staniland.
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
