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PR guru Jai Evans found dead in his inner Sydney unit

Friends and clients have begun paying tribute to “a hugely loved person” after PR guru and talent expert Jai Evans was found dead in his inner Sydney apartment.

Jai Evans with model Simone Holtznagel.
Jai Evans with model Simone Holtznagel.

PR guru and talent expert Jai Evans has died in his inner Sydney apartment, NSW Police have confirmed.

Evans, 43, was found dead in his luxury Sydney apartment in Darlinghurst on Saturday.

Police attended and there were “no apparent suspicious circumstances”.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

Just prior to his death, Evans represented popular Married At First Sight couple Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis and was once close friends with the late Charlotte Dawson and Lara Worthington.

Ruby Jacenko and Jai Evans at the 2011 Vogue Fashion's Night Out.
Ruby Jacenko and Jai Evans at the 2011 Vogue Fashion's Night Out.
Sylvia Geerseen and Jai Evans at a VIP part to launch Pink Salt Restaurant at Double Bay.
Sylvia Geerseen and Jai Evans at a VIP part to launch Pink Salt Restaurant at Double Bay.

PR guru Roxy Jacenko had only been in touch with Evans a couple of months ago and said the Sydney personality was “a rare find”.

“Terribly sad to hear of the passing of Jai,” Jacenko told Confidential.

Mark Moon and Jai Evans at the announcements of the Finalists of the Australian Fashion film awards.
Mark Moon and Jai Evans at the announcements of the Finalists of the Australian Fashion film awards.
Joelle Morton and Jai Evnas at Hugos lounge for a fundraiser to help the women and children of Ethiopia.
Joelle Morton and Jai Evnas at Hugos lounge for a fundraiser to help the women and children of Ethiopia.

“He was like me, one of a new wave of PR’s when I started in the industry 20 years ago.

“He always had the best looking bevy of girls to bring to events and a real networker. Always up to try something different. A rare find.”

Jocelyn Laird and Jai Evans at a birthday party at Hugo's Sky Bar in Kings Cross.
Jocelyn Laird and Jai Evans at a birthday party at Hugo's Sky Bar in Kings Cross.
Sylvia Geersen and Jai Evans at the Swarovski Fashion Show at Darling Harbour in Sydney.
Sylvia Geersen and Jai Evans at the Swarovski Fashion Show at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

Other friends took to social media this week to confirm the news, with Bondi fitness personality Dan Wootton sharing news of his death on social media.

“RIP Jai Evans. Another beautiful friend was taken much too soon before his time.

“Your vibrant energy and eagerness to help was second to none. Rest easy Jai. Love you mate.

Evans’ Instagram page has since been taken down.

Founder of PR bible Social Diary Tiffany Farrington, who knew Evans for 20 years, said: “He was such a character who will forever be missed.”

“Never a dull moment. One of a kind. If you met him you would never forget him.

“A hugely loved person in the PR industry. Very driven and passionate and hilarious to be around.”

Close friend and sexology Nikki Goldstein said: “I am so shocked and sad about your passing if only I could give you one more big kiss.”

“You were my friend, my neighbour, my spray tan buddy, a champion of my career, a life adviser and knew how to throw a dinner party like no other.

“Everyone not only knew you but loved you. I’m sending you so much love. RIP darling Jai.”

Evans founded his own company called Evans Media in 2005 and worked with hundreds of other media companies to create their PR strategies.

He was considered a man of many trades, and throughout his career worked in advertising, as a publicist, magazine publisher and editor, strategising for a number of publications and TV networks including Channel 9, Sky News, BRW and Vogue.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/pr-guru-jai-evans-found-dead-in-his-inner-sydney-unit/news-story/44f7164351efb355a352933a996a4ec0