Andrew Jury, known for his stint on the inaugural season of “Married at First Sight New Zealand,” passed away at 33. His body was discovered in his jail cell at the Mt. Eden Corrections Facility in Auckland, New Zealand on June 27, 2024, mere hours prior to a court appearance.
Before his death, Jury was facing charges such as assault intending to harm, purposeful destruction, and carrying a potential weapon. He was apprehended on April 2, 2024, and had been detained since. The cause of his death is yet to be determined, but the authorities have disclosed that there are no immediate indications of foul play.
Jury first came into the public spotlight in 2017 as a participant on the reality TV show “Married at First Sight New Zealand.” His on-screen partner was Vicky Gleeson-Stokes. Despite their initial pairing, the couple faced multiple hurdles, which eventually led to their split after the show ended.
Roy Jury, Andrew’s father, expressed profound grief and confusion over his son’s untimely death. He highlighted that Andrew had been struggling with jail life. Roy informed the New Zealand Herald, “It should have been a red flag when Andy stopped communicating with family and friends. I and Andy’s extended family and friends are deeply saddened and bewildered by this distressing event.”
Andrew’s co-stars on “Married at First Sight”, Brett Renall, Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell, issued a collective statement acknowledging his passing. “Despite his struggles, Andrew was always friendly, and the life of the party during our shared experience, and he valued his time on the show. At this time, our entire cast wishes to send our deepest condolences and love to his family.”
Jury’s time on the reality show was not devoid of controversy. In a 2018 interview, he criticized the show’s matchmaking methodology, arguing that the pairings were not genuinely based on compatibility. “I make great TV, but my wife and I were not matched in the slightest,” he stated, voicing his disapproval of the show’s approach.
Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), the organization behind “Married at First Sight New Zealand,” extended its condolences to the Jury family. They maintained their commitment to the welfare of the participants. A representative noted that “WBD takes duty of care very seriously and has measures in place to ensure the well-being of the cast and crew.” They stressed that participants are provided access to mental health professionals throughout the process, including pre-screening, filming, and post-production.
The death of Jury has reignited the debate about the mental health support provided to reality TV stars. Many are advocating for a more thorough care system during and after their television appearances. As the investigation into his death continues, his close ones are left grappling with their grief and seeking answers.
