My Kitchen Rules star, 46, found dead

Michael Murray, a former Mr New Zealand and star of the 2024 season of My Kitchen Rules, has been found dead.

My Kitchen Rules New Zealand contestant Michael Murray has tragically passed away, according to reports.

Murray, 46, competed in the 2024 season of the popular cookery show alongside his cousin Piki Knap.

An extended family member confirmed his death on Monday afternoon. However, his cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Michael Murray [right] has tragically passed away. Picture: Instagram.

“It’s a shock to all those who know him,” the relative who asked not to be named told The Sun.

On their official bio for the reality TV cooking show,Murray and Knap said they shared a love of cooking for friends and family.

On the show Murray said he was a huge fan of Jamie Oliver, adding that he was set on “being a mighty kitchen ninja”.

He said: “I possess a magnetic energy – agility, precision and an unassuming personality.”

During his time on the show, Murray was told he was an “extremely talented and unique young man”.

Before his time on the cookery series, 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.

Murray was a former Mr New Zealand before going on to enjoy a TV career. Picture: Instagram.

“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.”

When his time on the cookery show came to an end, Murray released a statement thanking those who had supported him along his journey.

“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 Feildel. Special thanks to the other contestants, who are fantastic cooks and lovely people.”

He continued: “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.”