The husband of an Australian television presenter who took his own life following a mental health battle has tragically died in an alleged self-harm incident, leaving her three children orphaned.
Erin Jayne Plummer, host of the morning talk show Studio 10, committed suicide in 2022, leaving behind her heartbroken husband and three daughters, who were described as the popular host’s ‘mini-me’.
Alan Plummer, 49, was found dead on Sunday in Freshwater on Sydney’s northern beaches, with a source familiar with the situation describing his death as “tragic”.
In a statement, a NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: “Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command will prepare a report for coroner’s information into the death of a 49-year-old man in Freshwater. on Sunday.”
The tragedy comes just two months after Plummer sold the family’s four-bedroom home in Freshwater, which they had owned for more than two decades, at auction ahead of a private settlement.
The property, which was purchased by the Plummers for $675,000 in 2002, was initially listed for sale in March of this year. Alan was the former director of a now defunct company called Shine VIP Tours Australia PTY LTD. No further details regarding his death are available at this time.
Alan and Erin Jayne Plummer pictured on their wedding day
Alan’s death leaves the couple’s three daughters orphaned
Erin came into the spotlight at a young age when she was discovered on Sydney’s Manly Beach and chosen for a tourism campaign that aired on NBC in the United States.
Erin was just 42 when she died due to mental health issues, and her friends said at the time that they wished they could have done more to “help her carry the weight of her grief.”
She was a loving mother and “loved her daughters infinitely”, friends said, but she struggled during the Covid pandemic and had not been “her lively, energetic self” in the weeks before her death.
Erin’s father Peter described his daughters as his ‘little mini versions of her’ and, speaking at her funeral, the presenter’s eldest daughter shared her grief at losing her beloved mother.
“Every day that goes by I still don’t believe he’s gone,” the 15-year-old said.
‘That a family of three girls will grow up without our mother. This is the thought I can’t seem to get over.
Following his death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the Plummer family and raised more than $28,000.
Erin Jayne Plummer was a beloved Studio 10 host and was famous for her roles on aerobics television shows and infomercials.
‘Mom was loved by everyone. She was selfless and gave her all to take my sisters and me to 40 activities each week.
“She brought so much light to the world that we didn’t realize her heart was hurting so much.”
The teenager concluded his moving tribute: ‘Mom, I hope heaven treats you better than we do. She is no longer ours, but we are hers forever.
Erin’s youngest daughter also spoke, telling those gathered: ‘My mom was the best person who ever lived. I will always love you very much mom.’
Studio 10 and TVSN infomercial host took her own life after a mental health battle, friends said
Following his death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the Plummer family hire a gardener and housekeeper to “keep the house running” and raised nearly $28,000.
Neighbors also supported the family, cooking and bringing food after Erin’s death.
During her career as an infomercial host, Erin appeared on Studio 10, TVSN, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and The Morning Show, earning the nickname ‘The Danoz Girl.’
She also hosted Aerobics Oz Style for six years. The aerobics instructional television series, which aired from 1982 to 2005, had a global audience of 40 million people at its peak and was broadcast in more than 80 countries.
During her career as an infomercial host, Erin appeared on Studio 10, TVSN, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and The Morning Show, earning the nickname ‘The Danoz Girl.’
In addition to her television career, Erin was an accomplished synchronized swimmer who represented Australia at three world championships and won 11 national titles.
Erin came into the spotlight at a young age when she was discovered on Sydney’s Manly Beach and chosen for a tourism campaign that aired on NBC in the United States.
But it was her role as a television presenter for which she was best known. Over the years, he promoted everything from massage chairs and exercise programs to slimming jeans and steam mops.
When not in front of the camera, Erin also did countless voiceovers for television.
UK: For help and support, call Samaritans for free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
AU: For 24/7 confidential support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or further 1300 22 4636
