Andrew Jury, a former contestant on the first season of “Married at First Sight New Zealand,” died at the age of 33. Jury was found dead in his prison cell at Mt. Eden Corrections Facility in Auckland, New Zealand on June 27, 2024, just hours before a scheduled court appearance.
Jury had been facing charges including assault with intent to injure, willful damage, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was arrested on April 2, 2024 and had been in custody since then. The cause of his death is currently under investigation, but authorities have stated that there are no immediate signs of suspicious circumstances.
Andrew Jury first gained public attention in 2017 as a groom on the reality show “Married at First Sight New Zealand.” He was matched with Vicky Gleeson-Stokes, but the couple’s relationship faced numerous challenges, ultimately leading to their separation after the show concluded.
His father, Roy Jury, expressed deep sorrow and bewilderment over his son’s passing, noting that Andrew had been struggling in jail. “It should have been a red flag when Andy stopped communicating with family and friends,” Roy told the New Zealand Herald. “I and Andy’s extended family and friends are deeply saddened and bewildered by this distressing event.”
Andrew’s fellow “Married at First Sight” castmates Brett Renall, Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell issued a joint statement acknowledging his death. “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 experience on the reality show was not without controversy. In a 2018 interview, he questioned the ethics of the show’s matchmaking process, claiming that the couples were not genuinely matched for compatibility. “I make great TV, but my wife and I were not matched in the slightest,” he said, criticizing the show’s approach.
Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), the company behind “Married at First Sight New Zealand,” conveyed its condolences to the Jury family and reiterated its dedication to participant welfare. A spokesperson mentioned that “WBD takes duty of care very seriously and has measures in place to ensure the well-being of the cast and crew.” They emphasized that all participants have access to mental health professionals at all stages, including pre-screening, during filming, and post-production.
Jury’s death has sparked a conversation about the mental health and support provided to reality TV stars, with many calling for more comprehensive care both during and after their time on television. As the investigation continues, his family and friends are left struggling with their loss and searching for answers.