Married At First Sight star devastated as her brother dies suddenly on Boxing Day aged just 36: ‘Worst nightmare’
Married At First Sight star Cathy Evans has announced the shocking death of her older brother.
The 30-year-old shared the tragic news with her Instagram followers on Friday, along with a series of images of her sibling, Ben, who died aged 36 on Tuesday, Boxing Day.
Ben's cause of death is not yet known, but Cathy explained that he suffered a cardiac arrest in Taupō, New Zealand, where he was staying with his wife Kukkie and son Inam after going through a 'difficult' period in his life.
“RIP to my brother 29.01.1987 – 26.12.2023,” the make-up artist began her heartbreaking post.
'26 Dec. Early in the morning I lost my brother too early in this life. Unexpected and sudden. I flew to New Zealand for hours after I heard what happened. His last day on earth was Christmas, Cathy continued.
Married At First Sight star Cathy Evans (pictured) has announced the shocking death of her older brother just one day after Christmas
The 30-year-old shared the tragic news with her Instagram followers on Friday. Ben died on Boxing Day at the age of 36. Ben is pictured with wife Kukkie and son Inam
“He spent it with his newlywed wife, son and his family. I'm sorry I'm not home for Christmas. But I am happy to know that you are passing on that peace, love and happiness in your heart after everything you have been through and that you are surrounded by all your loved ones at home.
“I will share the link here where anyone who knows him and would like to help donate to bring his body back to Thailand for his final resting place – at his request.”
The MAFS bride and her three brothers grew up in New Zealand but have Welsh and Thai ancestry.
Cathy also shared a link to a Give A Little fundraising page which she set up, hoping to raise $20,000 to bring Ben's body to Thailand.
Ben's cause of death is not yet known, but Cathy explained that he suffered a cardiac arrest in Taupō, New Zealand, where he was staying with his wife Kukkie and son Inam after going through a 'difficult' period in his life.
As of Friday evening, the fundraiser has reached $14,950 with more than 130 donations.
'As he was a healthy and young man, Ben had no life insurance and since his sudden death, we (his family) have not been prepared for the costs associated with repatriation (transporting his body back to Thailand)' page reads.
'Ben recently married the love of his life to Siriluk (Kukkie) on November 21, 2023. They were so excited to start their chapters together, with Kukkie receiving a partner visa to NZ, that she arrived in NZ on December 14.
“Ben showed Kukkie Taupo in the short time they had together until his life was unfairly taken from him.”
At this time we still don't have exact reasons for his death, but that he suffered a possible cardiac arrest. We will update as soon as we know more.
Cathy shared a series of images of her sibling as a child. She also posted a link to a fundraising page she has set up, hoping to raise $20,000 to bring Ben's body to Thailand.
The MAFS bride and her three brothers grew up in New Zealand but have Welsh and Thai ancestry
“Those of you who knew Ben know that he has had some very difficult years over the last two years,” she wrote. “It brings comfort to our hearts that on his last day on earth, he spent Christmas Day with his new loving wife, his son Inam and his family of mother, father and sister.”
“Those of you who knew Ben know that he has had a very difficult time over the last two years,” she continued.
“It brings comfort to our hearts that on his last day on earth, he spent Christmas Day with his new loving wife, his son Inam and his family of mother, father and sister. He died in the night, surrounded by his loved ones.'
On December 27, Cathy shared a worrying Instagram Stories post about her “worst nightmare” coming true.
The TV star posted a photo taken on a plane as it docked at an airport in New Zealand, and captioned it with some disturbing words.
'Emergency flight to NZ. My worst nightmare comes to life. Keep your loved ones close always,” the New Zealand-born influencer captioned the photo.
On December 27, Cathy shared a worrying Instagram Stories post about her “worst nightmare” coming true. 'Emergency flight to NZ. My worst nightmare comes to life. Keep your loved ones close always,” the New Zealand-born influencer captioned the photo
Cathy is known to have a very good relationship with her three brothers. In a 2015 Instagram post, she explained that the LMB tattoo on her forearm represents the names of her three siblings
Cathy, who currently lives in Sydney, then admitted that she was going through a tough time at the moment and asked her fans for advice about returning to Australia.
'I'm not doing well and I can't think clearly. If anyone has had to deal with international repatriation companies, please send it my way,” she added.
Cathy is known to have a very good relationship with her three brothers, Logan, Marko and Ben.
In a 2015 Instagram post, she explained that the LMB tattoo on her forearm represents the names of her three siblings.
Cathy rose to fame on Australian dating show Married At First Sight in 2020, where she was linked to groom Josh Pihlak.
Cathy rose to fame on Australian dating show Married At First Sight in 2020, where she was linked to groom Josh Pihlak