Former Married At First Sight star Cathy Evans reveals brother died suddenly on Boxing Day

A former Married At First Sight star is devastated after a beloved family member died suddenly over the holidays.

Former Married At First Sight Australia participant Cathy Evans has announced the tragic death of her older brother.

In a heartbreaking Instagram post shared on Friday evening, the reality star – who appeared on the Nine dating show in 2020 – revealed her beloved sibling, Ben, died on Boxing Day, aged just 36.

Cathy did not reveal his cause of death, but in her post she explained he had suffered a cardiac arrest in New Zealand.

Cathy Evans shared some throwback photos of her brother, Ben, on Instagram.

Cathy’s older brother Ben died suddenly on Boxing Day aged just 36.

“RIP to my brother 29.01.1987 – 26.12.2023. 26th December. Early morning I lost my brother too early in this life,” she began in her message written in Thai – the MAFS bride was raised in New Zealand with her three brothers but has Welsh and Thai heritage.

“Unexpectedly and suddenly, I flew to New Zealand for hours after hearing what happened.

It’s a regular day his last day on earth was Christmas.”

The former MAFS star flew home to New Zealand after hearing the news.

“Unexpectedly and suddenly, I flew to New Zealand for hours after hearing what happened.

It’s a regular day his last day on earth was Christmas.”

She revealed her brother had been staying in New Zealand with his wife, Kukkie, who he married just last month, and his son, Inam.

Cathy set up a fundraising page to help bring Ben’s body back to Thailand.

“Spending it with the newlywed wife, son and his family. I’m sorry I’m not home for Christmas,” she continued.

“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.”

Just last month, Ben married the love of his life, Kukkie. Picture: Give A Little

“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.”

The former Logistics investigator and part-time makeup artist then shared a link to the fundraiser on her Instagram Stories, which she hopes will raise $20,000 to bring Ben’s body home to Thailand.

“Raising donations towards repatriation for my brother to finally lay in peace in Thailand. I appreciate any help. Thank you,” she captioned her post.

Cathy appeared on MAFS in 2020. Picture: Nine

She was paired with truck driver Josh Pihlak. Picture: Nine

On the Give A Little fundraising page, Cathy said that Ben had a rocky last two years.

“Those of you who knew Ben, know that he has had a very troubled last two years,” she wrote.
“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.”

Cathy was among the favourite brides on Season 7 of MAFS. She was paired with truck driver Josh Pihlak and they had an instant attraction at their wedding and sizzling sexual chemistry on their honeymoon.

But they soon clashed over many issues and called it quits during an emotional Commitment Ceremony weeks before the season’s end.