Strange Motel's Benaiah Fiu, a guitarist from the Gold Coast, was found dead hours after playing with his band.
Multiple media outlets, including the Daily Mail and The Sun, reported Fiu's death following confirmations from the musician's family, friends and bandmates.
Benaiah Fiu's Cause of Death Has Yet To Be Determined
Fiu reportedly played a show with his band, Strange Motel, at Mo's Desert Clubhouse on Friday night before his death. His mother then found him dead the next day.
His cause of death has yet to be disclosed, and his family has not confirmed whether there would be an autopsy to be conducted to determine what happened to him.
During his active career years, Fiu played with rock groups he formed including Fiction Control, Sex Drive and Paper.
His sisters, Ngahuia and Hanisi, wrote separate statements to pay tribute to the late rocker.
"On Saturday, January 13, we said goodbye to my baby brother Benaiah," Ngahuai wrote, per The Sun. "I'm in so much pain, our family is hurting. He loved so deeply. He had this magical thing where he could create a totally unique, individual and deep relationship with anyone who could get on his frequency level."
Fiu's sister Hanisi added that she had been emotional since the loss.
Meanwhile, Fiu's friends, colleagues and fans wrote their heartfelt tributes on social media and expressed their grief over the loss.
One said, "Never forget the primary school days building jumps, getting up to mischief and going to church with you and your family!"
"Rest easy brother," another wrote, while a third shared, "[Fiu will] always be remembered."
A memorial service was held in Queensland, and his bereaved loved ones invited everyone to "paddle out" into the water at the service. The latter has since been scheduled for January 25.
There will reportedly be an open viewing in Carrara on Monday, January 22, before the funeral at Newlife Church later that day.
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