Married At First Sight Australia star left heartbroken as older brother dies on Boxing Day

Cathy Evans, who starred in this year's Married At First Sight UK series, has revealed her older brother Ben died on Boxing Day after a cardiac arrest

Married At First Sight star Cathy Evans has been left devastated by the shock death of her older brother Ben.

Cathy, 30, revealed older brother Ben, 36, had died after a cardiac arrest on Boxing Day in New Zealand. Ben was with his wife Kukkie and son Inam, with Cathy flying straight over to New Zealand after she heard the news.

Cathy was raised in new Zealand alongside older brother Ben and her two other brothers Logan and Marko. The siblings share mixed Thai and Welsh heritage. fans will recognise Cathy from her stint on Australian dating show Married At First Sight in 2020, where she was paired with groom Josh Pihlak.

Writing on Instagram, Cathy told her followers: "RIP to my brother 29.01.1987 - 26.12.2023. 26th December. C. Early morning I lost my brother too early in this life. Unexpectedly and suddenly, I flew to New Zealand for hours after hearing what happened."

She continued: "Spending it with the newlywed wife, son and his family. I'm sorry I'm not home for Christmas but I'm glad to know that you're passing on that peace, love, and happiness in your heart after all you've been through and that you're surrounded by all your loved ones in the house."

She added: "I will share the link here where anyone who knows him and wants to help donate to bring his body back to Thailand for his final resting place - per his request." Cathy's post has been inudnated with support from friends and fans, as one commented: "Losing a sibling always seems to be something not many understand. We seem to be the “forgotten” grievers. I’m sending you so much love right now. Please take it easy on yourself."

Another shared: "I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a sibling is very difficult. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time xx." A third wrote: "I am so sorry for your loss Cathy, I will be thinking of you, send your family all my love".

Cathy has since shared a link to a Give A Little fundraising page she created which is aiming to raise $20,000 to bring Ben's body home to Thailand. The page has been flooded with support from fans and wellwishers and has raised over $15,000 so far.

The page reads: "Since he was a healthy and young man, Ben did not have life insurance and since his sudden death - we (his family) we're not prepared for the costs that come with repatriation (transportation of his body back to Thailand). Ben recently married the love of his life to Siriluk (Kukkie) on the 21st November 2023. They were so excited to start their chapters together, with Kukkie receiving a partner based visa into NZ, she arrived into NZ on the 14th of December. Ben showed Kukkie around Taupo in the little time they had together until his life was unfairly taken from him.

"At this current time - we still do not have exact reasons for his death - but that he suffered a potential cardiac arrest. We will update once we know more.

"Those of you who knew Ben, know that he has had a very troubled last 2 years. It brings us comfort in our hearts that for his last day on earth, he spent Christmas Day with his new loving wife, his son Inam and his family of mum, dad and sister. He died in the night surrounded by his nearest and dearest.

"His other sister arrived from Australia the same day of the news. To ensure we fulfil his final request, we ask the community that loved Ben as much as his family, to kindly donate where possible to ensure he gets back home."

Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .