Ross McDonnell: Human Torso Found in NYC Beach Believed To Be the Missing Filmmaker

In a chilling turn of events, New York authorities are investigating the discovery of a human torso on a Queens beach, suspecting it might be the remains of acclaimed Irish filmmaker and photographer Ross McDonnell, who mysteriously disappeared over a week ago, sources told The NY Post.

The grim discovery unfolded when a 911 call alerted police to a human torso, still connected to its legs, lying on the sand at a popular NYC beach in southern Queens around noon on Friday.

As of now, authorities are unable to determine the cause of death, or the age, or gender of the deceased individual.

DNA test results are pending, and law enforcement sources suggest that McDonnell may have drowned in turbulent waters, with his body possibly altered by natural forces before washing ashore at Breezy Point Beach on Friday.

Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Ross McDonnell Reported Missing

Ross McDonnell, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, has been missing in New York, according to The Irish Times.

The last reported sighting was on November 4 when his bicycle was found at Fort Tilden Beach in Queens on November 7th, a popular swimming location.

Originally from Howth, north Dublin, the 44-year-old McDonnell lived in Brooklyn and frequently traveled abroad for his work.

Gene Gallerano, a close friend, revealed that McDonnell was last seen on Saturday night, and alarm bells rang on Sunday when he had not been heard from since.

The case was reported to local police, who initiated searches in the area where McDonnell was last seen.

Efforts to locate him are now focused on finding a black backpack he had with him at the time, with the hope that it may provide clues to his disappearance.

Ross McDonnell

Ross McDonnell's creative journey is outlined on his website, where it is noted that his passion for image-making and storytelling stemmed from early travel experiences per the Hindustan Times.

His work reflects a deep interest in the open-ended nature of non-fiction and the inherent tensions in the photographic process between transience and permanence.

McDonnell's debut feature film, "Colony," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning him the IDFA First Feature Award and an Irish Film and Television Award Nomination.

His versatile career includes roles as a Director, Cinematographer, and Producer. In 2021, he secured an Emmy Award for Cinematography on the Showtime series "The Trade."

His accolades further include being shortlisted for the Prix Pictet, a prestigious photography award, and an Emmy Nomination for directing the documentary "Elián" in 2018.

Additionally, his first monograph, "Joyrider," was published in October 2021.

The situation surrounding Ross McDonnell's disappearance and the distressing discovery on the NYC beach has cast a shadow over the artistic community, prompting an emotional response from friends and colleagues.

As authorities await the results of DNA tests, the mystery surrounding McDonnell's fate deepens, leaving those who admire his work hoping for answers in the days to come.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Irish filmmaker Ross McDonnell missing in NYC - From CBS New York