Family of ‘beloved’ Irish filmmaker and photographer Ross McDonnell confirm death
“He will be very sadly missed by his loving parents, sister, niece, aunt, uncles, cousins, extended family and his many dear friends, LJ, and also his colleagues in Ireland, U.S.A. and around the world,” his official death notice adds.
Dubliner Ross McDonnell has been confirmed dead by his family
The family of award-winning Irish filmmaker Ross McDonnell, who was believed to have died after a body was recovered on a beach in New York, have confirmed his death.
Dublin native Mr McDonnell (44), was reported missing by his family after he was last seen on Saturday, November 4 at Fort Tilden Beach, NY, where his bike was found locked up days later.
The Howth photographer was last seen leaving his apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
Mr McDonnell’s remains were discovered after New York police received reports of a body found on the beach. His family have now confirmed his death in a death notice on rip.ie.
“The death has occurred of Ross Alexander McDonnell, Howth, Dublin, unexpectedly, on the 5th November 2023,” it says.
The Emmy-award winning filmmaker is the much loved son of Maureen and Nicky, beloved brother of Louise and cherished uncle of Eva.
“He will be very sadly missed by his loving parents, sister, niece, aunt, uncles, cousins, extended family and his many dear friends, LJ, and also his colleagues in Ireland, U.S.A. and around the world,” his official death notice adds.
It is suspected that Mr McDonnell got caught in a current at the Fort Tilden Beach in Queens while going for a swim. No foul play is suspected, law enforcement sources have said.
Mr McDonnell is a three time Emmy winning director, producer and cinematographer and has worked in documentaries, commercials and features.
He began his career as a photographer before moving into film after his first feature film ‘Colony’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, was a winner at IDFA and nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award.
Ross was living in New York City and frequently travelled between New York and Dublin for work.
Dubliner Ross McDonnell has been confirmed dead by his family
Heart-breaking tributes have been paid across the world of photography by friends of Mr McDonnell, who was described as having both charm and a dynamic personality.
“A very dynamic talented photographer who over the years has become my good friend,” said Darragh Shanahan of Photo Museum Ireland.
"Ross was always really good at turning up for other people,” he added.
Heartfelt condolences have also been flowing in for Ross since his family confirmed his death today.
One person said Mr McDonnell will be remembered as a “very sweet guy with a broad smile and cheeky grin with whom many a great time we had.”
“He was a one of a kind guy who made a huge difference in this world and he touched so many hearts and souls with his talents and his magic and no doubt he had so much more to give.
“Very special and beautiful person who is sorely missed,” another person wrote.
A memorial service for Ross will take place at a later date and funeral arrangements will be made later, his family said.
