GUITARIST Benaiah Fiu has been found dead by his mum aged just 32 only hours after playing a gig with his band.
Tributes have poured in for the “magical” young Australian musician who tragically died in his sleep after a concert.
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His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The 32-year-old had played with his band Strange Motel on Friday night last week before he died.
His mum found him in bed on Saturday morning.
Over the course of his career he formed several different bands including Strange Motel, Sex Drive, Fiction Control and Paper.
One of them, Fiction Control, paid tribute to him online.
They wrote on Instagram: “Until we meet again. Rest easy brother”.
His sisters Ngahuia and Hanisi also paid tribute.
Ngahuai wrote: “‘On Saturday, January 13, we said goodbye to my baby brother Benaiah.
“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.”
His other sister Hanisi said her “tears are constant”.
Fiu – from the Gold Coast – shared a post in the early hours of January 12 before he died.
He posted on Facebook about his band’s gig ahead of the performance.
Friends posted their tributes underneath the post, as one wrote “Rip benny!
“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 said he would “always be remembered”.
A tribute post to him said friends and family would be invited to say “see you later” to Fiu at a memorial service in Queensland.
They wrote: “Together, we will celebrate the memories and legacy Benaiah leaves behind… All welcome.”
The post said he loved the ocean and guests would be invited to “paddle out” into the water at the service.
