Almost two years have passed since former Home And Away star Ben Unwin passed away, aged 41.
The devastating news broke of Ben’s passing in August 2019 via authorities.
In a statement, NSW Police said they were called to Minyon Galls in the Whian Whian State Conservation area, near Byron Bay, after locals “responded to a concern for welfare”.
“The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious,” police said in a statement.
The beloved Home and Away actor was known for portraying Summer Bay bad boy Jesse McGregor from 1996 to 2000, returning from 2002 to 2005.
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Vale Ben Unwin.
Ben’s co-stars took to social media to share their memories of the actor, and their condolences with his family.
“Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate, Ben Unwin,” The Seven Network said in a statement.
“Ben’s work in the role of Jesse McGregor is remembered with much affection. Ben’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.”
In celebration of Ben’s time on the drama, TV WEEK looks back at some of Jesse’s major moments.
Jesse McGregor arrived in Summer Bay with a bang in 1996. He was ‘working’ as a small time thief when he rescued Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert), Shannon (Isla Fisher) and Curtis Reed (Shane Ammann) from a group of criminals.
Jesse began seeing Selina, though she was suspicious of his secrect nature. He eventually revealed he had a daughter, Rachel, from a previous relationship. When Rachel’s mother Kylie was arrested the first time, he became her sole guardian for a while.
Jesse would later suffer his first heartbreak when Selina dumped him for her ex Steven Matheson (Adam Willits).
Jesse had a few short flings after his split from Selina, including one with Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) that became the talk of the town due to their age difference.
After his flings, Jesse briefly reunited with Kylie. Their engagement was cut short as she was arrested and imprisoned, before dying of a drug overdose, leaving him to raise Rachel alone.
Jesse was accused of burning Alf’s bait shop to the ground, though he denied having done so. After opening his own garage, he ended up involved with criminals.
Eventually Jesse landed himself in prison for a two year sentence, alongside Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten). He promised Vinnie he would look after his wife, Leah (Ada Nicodemou).
Jesse returned to Summer Bay in 2002, and resumed his close relationships with old friends like Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie).
Per Vinnie’s request, Jesse became close friends with Leah…
When Vinnie supposedly died in a prison fire, the pair became even closer and developed romantic feelings for each other.
Leah initially rejected Jesse due to her strong religious beliefs, before eventually falling madly in love.
Leah’s family were skeptical of Jesse, especially when it came to her son VJ.
Unfortunately, their concerns were (somewhat) proven to be valid when Jesse temporarily lost VJ at the beach and lied about it. Tense times!
Jesse and Leah’s relationship sadly came to an end amid Sally and Flynn’s surrogacy drama. After Leah agreed to be their surrogate, she shared a brief kiss with Flynn that resulted in Jesse calling it quits.
Also making things difficult in Jesse’s life during that time: being falsley accused of murder! Jesse was considered a suspect after his former girlfriend Angie Russell (Laurie Foell) was found dead. The murderer was revealed to be her son Dylan (Brett Hicks-Maitland).
Jesse moved on from Leah with Josie Russell (Laurie Foell).
Jesse Josie wedding
Sadly, their engagement ended when Josie’s affair with Brett Macklin (Gerry Sont) was revealed when Josie’s niece Tasha (Isabel Lucas) ran out on the wedding, forcing Josie to confess. This began Jesse’s downward spiral.
Jesse quickly moved on with Summer Bay necomer Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). His heavy drinking and feud with Brett over Josie leads Martha to break off the relationship.
Ben Unwin Jodi Anasta
Jesse also had some lighter moments, including dressing up for a murder mystery party with Martha.
Ben unwin Bec Hewitt
But in true Summer Bay style, the party wasn’t without drama for long and a bomb scare left attendees including Hayley (Bec Hewitt) terrified.
When Jesse’s former fling Chloe returned to Summer Bay, the pair are involved in a hit and run car collision.
Kristy Wright Ben Unwin
Sadly, the car accident proved fatal for Chloe (Kristy) and a devastated Jesse handed himself in to the police, admitting he was responsible for her death.
