Actor Dieter Brummer has died aged 45.
Police confirmed the Home and Away and Neighbours star was found dead at his home.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
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According to the Mirror, family friend, Steve Comey, confirmed the sad news on Facebook, writing: "Heartbreaking news.
"We have lost a free spirit. Vale Dieter Brummer. Way too young. Way too soon. My sincerest, deepest condolences to his beautiful sister Karlene and all of Dieters family & friends. Keep flying young fella."
New South Wales Police told News.com.au : "About 1.30 pm (Saturday 24 July 2021), officers from The Hills Police Area Command responded to reports of a concern for welfare at a home on Glenhaven Road, Glenhaven.
“The body of a man was located inside the home. His death is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner."
A spokesperson for Australian TV channel Seven, which airs Home and Away, said: "Home and Away and Channel 7 are deeply saddened to hear of Dieter Brummer’s passing.
"Dieter was a much-loved Home and Away cast member and celebrated by Australian and international audiences for his award-winning portrayal of Shane Parrish.
"We send our sincere condolences to Dieter’s family and friends during this very difficult time."
Mr Brummer shot to fame in 1992 when he landed the part of Shane Parrish, propelling him to international stardom and cementing his place as an Aussie soap hunk.
He won a legion of fans both Down Under and abroad and remained with the soap for four years from 1992 until 1996, acting opposite Melissa George, who played Shane's wife Angel.
Mr Brummer told Woman's Day: "We may have been love interests on the show but the chemistry was far from real.
Mr Brummer's character was written out of Home and Away in a heartbreaking exit in 1996 when Shane died from septicaemia.
The actor went on to land roles in shows such as Rescue Special Ops, Winners and Losers and Underbelly, and famously made a soap crossover in 2011 when he landed a part in Home and Away's rival show Neighbours.
Mr Brummer played Troy Miller in stints in 2011 and 2012.
In later years, the actor turned his back on the entertainment world and set up his own window cleaning business.
