Actress Nicole Kidman's sister Antonia's ex-husband Angus Hawley, an Australian businessman, died after suffering a heart attack. He was 46.

Angus was on a business trip in the United States at the time of his death, reported The Daily Telegraph.

Angus's brother Phillip released a statement on behalf of the family that read, "We confirm that Angus Hawley has suddenly and very unexpectedly died of a suspected heart attack whilst in New York attending a conference."

"There are no further details at this time as it only occurred last night, our time. The family request the media please respect their privacy at this very sad time."

Angus was out to dinner with a friend when he suffered a cardiac arrest and then died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The news has come as a huge shock for Angus' wife Prue, who tied the knot with him in 2011 and was reportedly planning on joining him in New York in a couple of days time.

Angus was widely reported to be a fit and healthy exercise lover, so the news will no doubt come as a huge blow to the whole family including his sister-in-law Nicole.