MY Kitchen Rules New Zealand contestant Michael Murray has died unexpectedly at the age of 46, according to reports.
Murray and his cousin Piki Knap appeared on the hit reality TV cooking show’s latest season.
An extended family member confirmed his death on Monday, saying, “It’s a shock to all those who know him.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
According to the official bio for the reality TV cooking show, the pair shared a love of cooking for visitors.
The Jamie Oliver fan also had a global palate but described his secret weapon as “being a mighty kitchen ninja.”
He said: “I possess a magnetic energy – agility, precision, and an unassuming personality.”
Murray spent 12 years in Mexico, working on telenovela soap operas and doing small stints on other shows, according to The British Sun.
However, he returned to New Zealand following the COVID-19 pandemic.
He previously told the New Zealand Herald:
“My background is modeling and acting.”
“I was Mr New Zealand back in 2005, and that’s what took me overseas and eventually to Mexico.”
“Obviously, I’m not Mexican, but they thought I was Latino.”
“I did some great work there, then to come home and be a part of this whole journey with MKR is a blessing in disguise.
“I’ve always put my hand up to opportunity.”
During filming My Kitchen Rules, cousins Piki and Michael discovered their aunt had terminal cancer.
Their aunt passed away only a few months later.
