Jai Evans played a role in iconic Australian soap Home & Away in the 1990s before turning away from a career as an actor to build an impressive career in public relations
Former Australian soap actor Jai Evans has died after being found at his home in Sydney.
The former TV star appeared in the iconic soap Home & Away in the 1990s before going on to build a career in the world of public relations – where he worked with cast members of Married At First Sight. His death was announced on Friday. He was aged 43.
Jai was discovered in a luxury apartment building in Sydney on Wednesday and local police have confirmed a coroner’s report will be issued in due course. A cause of death has not yet been revealed, and an exact date of his death has not yet been confirmed, according to OK!.
The former TV actor was last seen in public a month ago while attending a celebrity event with reality stars. Friends of Jai have taken to social media to share their shock over the news of his passing.
Fitness trainer Daniel Wootton wrote a heartfelt message online, writing: “RIP Jai Evans. Another beautiful friend taken much too soon before his time. Your vibrant energy and eagerness to help was second to none. Rest easy, Jai. Love you, mate.”
Sydney police confirmed the former TV actor’s passing, stating: “Officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner regarding the death of a 43-year-old man at a unit in Darlinghurst on 4 September 2024. Police will not be making any further comment about the matter.”
Jai played a student on Home & Away in 1997 but he then moved away from a career in the spotlight as an actor. He instead went on to build a career as a PR guru and worked with cast members of Married At First Sight to help them navigate fame after appearing on the hit reality show.
Jai founded his business, called Evans Media, in 2005 when he was 24-years-old and helped media companies and personalities with PR strategies. He also consulted to offer advice to manage events, with his career spanning the past two decades.
In April this year, the media relations expert shared his advice to MAFs stars hoping to expand their reach after finding fame on the show. He said: “Talent success is dependent on how well they lead with their heart and not their head. If they are too ego-driven people disengage. Fans are keen to keep up with their off-screen lives and brands are keen to bank on the current season’s talent. They can build a personal brand over the proceeding years if they remain true to themselves and authentic to their fanbase.”
Further friends have paid tribute to Jai following the shock news of his death. One friend wrote via Instagram: “OMG so sad, Jai was such a nice guy! My condolences go out to his family and friends.” And another wrote: “So sad RIP Jai. Hope you find some peace buddy. Way too young.”