Body found on New York beach believed to be Irish filmmaker Ross McDonnell
The Dublin native (44), last seen on Saturday, November 4. He was reported missing in New York by his family after his bike was found locked at a beach stand at Fort Tilden Beach
Dubliner Ross McDonnell reported missing near New York City
The body of Irish Emmy award-winning filmmaker and photographer Ross McDonnell has been found on a New York beach, it has been reported.
The Dublin native (44), last seen on Saturday, November 4. He was reported missing in New York by his family after his bike was found locked at a beach stand at Fort Tilden Beach days after he was last seen.
He was last seen leaving his apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
The body was reportedly found after New York Police officers responded to a call on Friday over reports of human remains found in the sand.
The body is believed to be that of Mr McDonnell and no foul play is suspected, law enforcement sources told NBC News.
It is suspected that Mr McDonnell got caught in a current at the Fort Tilden Beach in Queens while going for a swim.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.
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Fort Tilden is a national recreation area located at a former US Army base. It’s situated on a peninsula in the Queens borough of New York City, just south of Coney Island and west of Long Beach.
In a missing person report, the multi Emmy award-winning filmmaker has been described as five feet nine inches in height, of an athletic build as well as having a distinctively Irish accent.
In an earlier statement issued by Mr McDonnell’s family during the search operation they said:
“You are not in trouble if you picked up his belongings, we just want to locate ASAP for clues to his disappearance,” they said.
His belongings included a red puffy North Face vest, black and white sneakers, dark coloured khaki pants as well as a black North Face backpack.
His family had asked anyone who may have the belongings in their possession or who may come across them to drop them to FDNY Engine 329 where there will be “no questions asked.”
Anyone with information has been asked to call Gene on *US code (001) 646-281-0624.
Ross 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.
His subsequent film Elián was IDA and Emmy Nominated.
Ross lives in New York City and travels frequently to work between Dublin and New York.
His website features his extensive photography works.
