Peter Hardy, 66, of Neighbours, has died.
He was discovered dead on a beach in Fremantle, Perth, Australia, after drowning in the ocean while snorkelling.
According to reports, the actor was visiting his mother in Perth from London when he decided to swim in the ocean and got into trouble.
The precise circumstances of his death are unknown.
Hardy played Jimmy Drane in three episodes of Neighbours in 1997, but he is best known for his roles in McLeod’s Daughters and Chopper.
Bystanders on the beach are said to have given Hardy CPR until paramedics arrived, but the crew was unable to save the actor’s life, and he died at the scene.
On Friday, his brother confirmed the tragic news on social media, writing: “I’m heartbroken to report that my brother, Peter Hardy, died unexpectedly this morning… My beloved little brother, rest in peace.”
“This news is such a heartbreaking shock,” Peter’s friend Ross Anderson wrote. He’ll be remembered in the broad arms of the ocean he grew up beside, as well as in the hearts of all those he welcomed into his vital and witty orbit. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
“On the morning of March 16th, a dear friend was taken from us… the amazing and beautiful Peter Hardy drowned while snorkelling at South Beach Perth,” wrote another friend Andy Burns.
“He was 66 years old and looked like a Greek god, so fit, and so happy to be back in his native WA visiting from London where he had made his home.
“Words cannot express how deeply I feel this loss, We’ve been close friends since living together in Neutral Bay Sydney in the mid 80s.”
