“About 1:30pm on Saturday, July 24, officers from the Hills Police Area Command responded to a report of concern for welfare at a home on Glenhaven Road, Glenhaven,” a NSW police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia yesterday, when the news broke publicly.
Kristy posted a black and white image of herself and Dieter to Instagram yesterday afternoon.
“I don’t have any words right now but my heart is screaming and I am numb... Rest In Peace my darling Dieter, my first true love,” she captioned it.
The actress followed it up a few hours later with an array of images from Dieter and herself, taken throughout their relationship.
She used the caption to explain their time together.
“This is a hard one… Dieter was a very private person but he was also loved my many all over the world that I feel I must take a moment to honour him,” she began.
“Even though this moment doesn’t seem real. Even though the tears won’t stop flowing.”
“Dieter and I started dating when I was 17. He had just finished Home and Away and I had just started and I’m not sure how we did it but we managed to keep our relationship out of the eyes of the scrutinising media,” she explained to fans and followers.
“Our young love was able to blossom in private. Our first date was at Balmoral Beach. He took me on a picnic. We ended up sitting there for almost 10 hours from the afternoon into the middle of the night discussing everything from the cosmos to our childhoods and our hopes and dreams.”
The two met on the set of Home and Away in 1995, where their roles overlapped for a year.
“I was a young girl from the burbs and he was Australia’s heartthrob… but he was so normal! So down to earth, but still so interesting,” Kristy wrote of their relationship.
Dieter was indeed beloved across Australia, winning the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor in 1995 and 1996.
Although Dieter wrapped up his time on Home and Away in 1996, while Kristy remained on as Chloe Richards until 1999, the two continued their relationship.
“I fell in love with him very quickly and fortunately for me he felt the same way,” Kristy wrote.
“We were each other’s safety blankets and we were best friends. Even after we broke up years later, our friendship never died.”
She went on to describe the Dieter she knew, a man who loved the outdoors and animals.
“Spent many, many weekends camping around Australia. Both of us loved being out in the wild… We weren’t into parties and fancy industry events... We just needed our dogs, each other and the big open sky. Those times spent together shaped me in the most profound way,” the mum-of-one wrote.
“He was an existentialist. He was deep. Much deeper than most people know. I’m so grateful that we stayed friends and for over 25 years he has been a constant in my life and someone that I could call at any hour. We were that for each other,” she added.
“I love you Deet,” she finished up the caption.
“My deepest condolences go out to your beautiful family. They adored you more than anything in this world and my heart is breaking knowing how much pain they are in right now.
“Soar high on Angel’s wings. Watch over us. And see you when we get there.”
Her lengthy post was met with love from familiar Aussie faces.
“Beautiful words Kristy, what a gorgeous couple you made, he was a very special human, an elegant man with a beautiful heart. I feel blessed to have spent those early years with you both. My deepest condolences to you and Deets family. ❤️🙏🏽,” wrote actor and presenter Jamie Durie.
“❤️❤️❤️ big love to you @i.am.kristy.wright,” said Ryan Clarke of Bondi Rescue.
“I’m so very sorry Kristy. Thank you for letting us in on the love you and Dieter shared. ❤️,” wrote author and activist Carly Findlay.
Fellow Home and Away stars also posted tributes to Dieter, including the likes of Emily Symons, Laura Vazquez and Debra Lawrance.
Dieter’s family also released a statement yesterday.
"On behalf of my family, I post this today with a heavy heart," it read.
"We lost our handsome, talent, funny, complicated and beloved Dieter. He has left a massive hole in our lives and our world will never be the same.
"Our thoughts go out to all of you who knew him, loved him, or worked with him over the years. We appreciate you respecting our privacy at this terrible time.”
If you are seeking mental support for yourself or a loved one, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Looking for a fairytale romance? Sign up for eHarmony today!
