Michael Murray dead – My Kitchen Rules star dies aged 46 as family left ‘shocked’ by talented chef’s death

MY Kitchen Rules New Zealand contestant Michael Murray has suddenly died.

The amateur cook, 46, appeared on the latest season of the hit reality TV cooking show, along with his cousin Piki Knap.

An extended family member confirmed the his death on Monday afternoon, local time.

They said: "It's a shock to all those who know him."

The family member said there was no cause of death confirmed.

On their official bio for the reality TV cooking show, the pair said they 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.”

They said Murray was an extremely talented and unique young man.

Murray spent 12 years in Mexico where he worked on telenovela soap operas and did small stints on other shows.

He returned to New Zealand following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He previously told the New Zealand Herald: "My background is modelling 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."

At the time of exiting the cooking competition, Murray said:

"Piki and I would like to thank all our whanau, friends and supporters who helped and participated in our MKR journey.

"We had a blast, obviously we enjoyed the kai and meeting Colin Fassnidge and Manu Fieldel.

"Special thanks to the other contestants, who are fantastic cooks and lovely people.

"What you see on tele is just a small taste of who we all are as individual personalities. We are proud to say that everybody on this show are fabulous humans!

"We learned a lot, we are grateful for the opportunity, and while we did not perform our best, we gave it a go."

It's not the first heartbreaking loss for the Murray family.

While filming My Kitchen Rules, cousins Piki and Michael discovered their aunt had terminal cancer.

Tragically, their aunt passed away only a few months later.

Murray’s family are now dealing with the devastation of losing another loved one.

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