Andrew Jury, who gained fame as a contestant on the first season of “Married at First Sight New Zealand,” was found dead in his prison cell at the age of 33. Jury’s body was discovered at the Mt. Eden Corrections Facility in Auckland, New Zealand on June 27, 2024, just a few hours before he was due to appear in court.

At the time of his death, Jury was facing charges including assault with an intent to injure, willful damage, and possession of a weapon considered offensive. After his arrest on April 2, 2024, he had been held in custody. The cause of his death is still being determined, but officials have stated that there are presently no indications of suspicious circumstances.

Jury first entered the public eye in 2017 when he appeared as a groom on the reality TV show “Married at First Sight New Zealand.” He was paired with Vicky Gleeson-Stokes, but the pair’s relationship experienced numerous difficulties and they separated after the show ended.

His father, Roy Jury, expressed profound sorrow and confusion over his son’s death, indicating that Andrew had been battling hardships while in jail. “When Andy stopped reaching out to family and friends, it should have raised alarms,” Roy revealed to the New Zealand Herald. “This tragic event has left me, along with Andy’s extended family and friends, deeply saddened and puzzled.”

Andrew’s fellow cast members from “Married at First Sight,” Brett Renall, Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell, released a joint statement acknowledging his passing. “Andrew was always a friendly presence and the life of the party during our time together on the show, despite his personal struggles. Our entire cast extends our deepest condolences and love to his family at this time.”

In a 2018 interview, Jury voiced concerns about the ethics of the matchmaking process on the reality show, arguing that the couples weren’t truly matched for compatibility. “I make great TV, but my wife and I were not matched at all,” he stated, criticizing the show’s methodology.

Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), the production company behind “Married at First Sight New Zealand,” extended its condolences to the Jury family and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of participants. A representative stated that “WBD takes its duty of care very seriously and has systems in place to protect the well-being of cast and crew.” They stressed that all participants have access to mental health professionals throughout the process, from pre-screening to post-production.

The death of Jury has triggered discussions about mental health and the support provided to reality TV stars, with calls for more comprehensive care both during and after their television appearances. As the investigation into his death continues, Jury’s family and friends are left grappling with their loss and seeking answers.