Body of missing Irish filmmaker Ross McDonnell believed to have been found in New York

Tributes are being paid to Irish Emmy-winning filmmaker Ross McDonnell following the discovery of a body on a beach in New York.

The 44-year-old, last seen on Saturday 4 November, was reported missing by his family after his bike was found at Fort Tilden Beach days after he was seen leaving his Brooklyn apartment.

The body, yet to be officially identified, is reported to have been found after local police responded to calls regarding a body being found on the beach.

New York law enforcement sources told NBC News that they believe the body belongs to McDonnell, and that no foul play is suspected.

Reports suggest that he got caught in a current at the Fort Tilden Beach in Queens while swimming.

Ross McDonnell Forever pic.twitter.com/pZefS9hvnd

— Mango (@MangoDassle) November 21, 2023

The Howth native is a three-time Emmy-winning director, producer and cinematographer, known for his work in documentaries, advertisements and features.

He began his career as a photographer before moving into film with his award-winning debut feature Colony.

In 2021, Mr McDonnell published Joyrider, a photobook which tells the a coming-of-age story about the residents of a Ballymun housing estate in Dublin - a project which went on to inspire local artist Bricknasty, who hails from Ballymun.

"The reason why I love those photos is because that’s a version of Ballymun that I identify with, and was brought up in" said Bricknasty during a conversation with Hot Press.

"He took it upon himself to go in there with his camera, and immerse himself in that world. The tapestry that he was able to put together, by risking brilliantly, was brilliant. For him to do that is genuine and real – and he had to take himself away from where he was from, to go and make something substantial."

The Dublin musician took to Insagram earlier today to pay tribute to McDonnell.

"Thank you so much Ross", said Bricknasty in an Instagram story. "Without Ross we wouldn't have made INA CRUELER - I know how lucky I was and that EP is every bit his as it is ours."