‘Play Dirty’ crew member dies suddenly aged 30

An Aussie production runner who was working on the set of Mark Wahlberg’s new film ‘Play Dirty’, has been remembered as a “bright young man”, as the Australia filming community grapple with his unexpected death.

Ryan Cuskelly, 30, from Greater Sydney, was excited to be working as a production runner on the major motion picture being filmed in Sydney and was working hard to build his career within the film industry.

“The Play Dirty Crew and Amazon Studios serve as a tribute to Ryan’s remarkable spirit, generosity, and that infectious smile no one will ever forget,” the Play Dirty “Family” said.

His partner of five years, Natalie Abbott told news.com.au his death has been “hard to comprehend” for the Cuskelly family, their friends and also the wider community within the film and TV industry.

The announcement came after family and friends shared Mr Cuskelly had battled with a “severe and highly aggressive immune deficiency disorder and virus”.

“He was surrounded by his family and loved ones, holding his hands as he passed away,” Ms Abbott said.

“Ryan was completely healthy. He would go to the gym every single day. He was 30 years old, a vegan, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke. Like he was the healthiest person I know.

“Me, his mom and his brother were pretty much there every day. I think the longest I was at hospital was over 48 hours at a time.

“It’s confusing, there are so many questions, like how did this happen in the first place”.

Ms Abbott first met the production runner when she was starring in the lead role as Muriel in Muriel’s Wedding the musical.

“I’d go and sit with Ryan in the green room, we would chat and he would tell me, like, how many people cried during which portion of the show” she said.

“I remember him being so kind, he would always help out with anything and everything and he would be willing help anyone, even a stranger,” she said.

With the shock of his passing hitting the Sydney film industry hard, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family affording the mounting costs associated with Mr Cuskelly’s sudden passing.

“Ryan passed too soon at the age of 30,” the page reads.

“Funds raised are to contribute to his memorial arrangements as he leaves behind a bereft family and community”.

As the news of Mr Cuskelly’s passing was made known on social media, friends and loved ones flooded the page to share their memories and grief.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking. I’m so sorry to hear this. He was an absolute shining light,” one friend on Facebook wrote.

“The loss of this beautiful young man. Ryan was the absolute best human. I’m so very, very sad,” another commented.

“Ryan was one of the best. I adored him deeply,” a third person wrote.

Mr Cuskelly was also an avid volunteer for the St. John’s Ambulance Service and was known as a “hard worker” who gave his time freely to anyone in need.

“He really devoted his life to helping people and was such a hard worker, always, in everything he did,” Ms Abbott said.

“I was so proud of him, how hard he worked to try and hold on for as long as he could in the end, you could really see that,” she said.

Mr Cuskelly brother, Elliot Cuskelly said: “I can’t express how deeply grateful my family and I are for all the posts, and donations”.

A memorial service will be held in June at the Sydney Theatre Company, who have donated a space for the service.