Busisiwe "Busi" Lurayi has sadly passed away suddenly at the age of 36.
The tragic news was confirmed in a statement by Lurayi's family, which was shared by the actress' Johannesburg-based talent agency, Eye Media Artists. The cause of her death is yet to be determined.
Eye Media Artists shared a statement on Instagram, writing: "We are deeply saddened to notify you of the passing of our beloved Busisiwe Lurayi. Busisiwe passed away suddenly and was pronounced dead at her residence on Sunday [July 10, 2022] by medical personnel."
The official cause of "death is still unknown as we await the results of the autopsy report," the family added. "We humbly request that you allow us as the family to come to terms with this tragic news."
The statement concluded by assuring her fans: "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."
Before her death, the South African actress played the "free-spirited" Tumi in the Netflix family comedy, How to Ruin Christmas, which was released in 2020.
Per the New York Post, Tumi is a "prodigal daughter" who "goes home for the holidays and manages to ruin her sister’s wedding plans. Now she must make things right before it’s too late".
In December 2021, a second season of the show titled, How to Ruin Christmas: The Funeral, was released with four episodes, and the series was also renewed for a third season in June.
Netflix announced the news on their social media, writing: "Here we go again. #HowToRuinChristmas: The Baby Shower is currently in production."
Lurayi's other screen credits included the South African sitcom City Ses'la and its spinoff Ses'Top La. She also appeared in other South African Television shows like Vutha, S.I.E.S, and, Sokhulu and Partners II.
She has also worked on shows outside her country such as the ITV drama series Wild At Heart, drama series Home Affair, and a 2006 episode of ER, per her IMDb page.
In 2021, Lurayi won the SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Actress in a TV comedy for her role as Tumi in How to Ruin Christmas.
She won the same award in 2011 for her work in City Ses'la, which also earned her the SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Comedy in 2006.
Our thoughts go out to Lurayi's family, friends, and fans at this time.
