South African Netflix star Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Lurayi dies ‘suddenly’ aged just 36

The tragic news was confirmed in a statement by Lurayi’s family, which was shared by the actress’ talent agency, Eye Media Artists. The statement indicated that Lurayi died on Sunday at home.

“We are deeply saddened to notify you of the passing of our beloved Busisiwe Lurayi,” read the statement posted on the agency’s Instagram account. “Busisiwe passed away suddenly and was pronounced dead at her residence on Sunday [July 10, 2022] by medical personnel.”

“The reason for her death is still unknown as we await the results of the autopsy report,” the statement continued. “We humbly request that you allow us as the family to come to terms with this tragic news.”

“We thank you for the support that has been given so far and will provide further information as soon as it has been made available,” the family added.

Eyes Media Agency captioned the post, “Rest In peace @busi_lurayi.”

The South African actress played the rebellious Tumi Sello on the Netflix series How To Ruin Christmas that premiered on the streaming service in 2020.

The three-episode comedy followed reluctant bridesmaid Tumi as she tries to make up for ruining her sister’s Christmas wedding.

A second season titled How To Ruin Christmas: The Funeral was released last December with four episodes.

Busi starred in Netflix’s How To Ruin ChristmasThe series was renewed last month for a third season titled How To Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower.

Lurayi portrayed a cunning lawyer Winnie Molepo starting in 2008 in the South African legal drama series Sokhulu & Partners.

She also appeared in Sokhulu and Partners II.

Her other credits include the South African sitcom City Ses’la and its spinoff Ses’Top La, as well as the drama series Wild At Heart, and a 2006 episode of ER, according to her page on IMDb.

Last year, Lurayi won a Best Actress SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards).