Former Neighbours star Miranda Fryer passes away, age 34

Miranda played Sky Mangel on the show.

Actress Miranda Fryer, who appeared in the long-running soap opera Neighbours has passed away at the age of 34. Fryer died in her sleep at home in Glen Iris, Melbourne. A cause of death has not been given. Her family confirmed the sad news in a statement which read: "True soulmates, Miranda and Arthur (Pothitis) were making plans to start their family, when one day last week she went to sleep and never woke up. We do not know why. "She had had some health issues with her heart, maybe her beautiful persona was just too good for this world of ours. We, who all loved her so much, shall treasure the memories she has left us with and mourn our loss forever." The former child star played Sky, the daughter of Joe Mangel and Kerry Bishop on the Australian show between the years 1989 to 1991. She was just 18 months old when she began working on the show. The role of Sky was then taken over by Stephanie McIntosh. Miranda later retired from acting and trained as a nurse. The Daily Mail reports that she was due to start working in the neuroscience department of Monash Hospital next month, and that she was also considering pursuing a Master's degree in her field. She leaves behind her partner Arthur Pothitis. The couple got married in November 2020, and, were looking forward to starting a family of their own. The Irish Mirror reports that following her death, her brother took to Facebook to pay tribute to his sister. He said: "I am writing with the saddest of news. Last Thursday, around midday, MJ passed away. "It was completely unexpected, we are yet to know for sure what the cause was, but with our family history, it looks like her heart failed during her sleep. She went peacefully."