Family confirm death of Irish filmmaker who went missing in New York

Ross McDonnell. 

The family of a Dublin-born filmmaker who was last seen at a New York beach earlier this month have now confirmed his death. 

44-year-old Ross McDonnell was reported missing on November 4 after his bike was found at Fort Tilden Beach near Roxbury.

On Friday afternoon, a body was found at Breezy Point Beach in Queens which was believed to be that of Mr McDonnell. 

His family have since confirmed his death, in a death notice posted on Wednesday. 

He is survived by his parents, his sister and his niece.

"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, USA and around the world," the notice read.

Mr McDonnell was a three-time Emmy Award-winning director, producer and cinematographer. Throughout his career, he has worked on documentaries, commercials, and feature films as well as photography.

Originally from Howth, north Dublin, Mr McDonnell had been living in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn, New York.