In New York City, a headless and armless torso was found washed up on Breezy Point Beach in Queens, sparking a major police investigation.
The body, discovered just before 12:30 p.m. on Friday, is suspected to be that of Ross McDonnell, a 44-year-old Emmy-winning Irish filmmaker who mysteriously disappeared earlier this month, as per to NBC New York.
Filmmaker McDonnell Missing, Remains Found in NYC
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Construction fencing stands at Rockaway Beach following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, which destroyed large parts of the boardwalk, on October 29, 2013 in the Queens borough of New York City. Today is the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. Many residents of the Rockaways and neighboring Breezy Point are reflecting on the progress made over the past year while acknowledging the problems still evident. While the area has made great headway with rebuilding and renovations to the iconic beach communities, the storm devastated much of the area with severe flooding and wind damage. Hurricane Sandy made landfall on October 29 near Brigantine, New Jersey and affected 24 states from Florida to Maine and cost the country an estimated $65 billion.
Ross McDonnell, known for his exceptional work in cinematography on the Showtime series "The Trade," was last seen on November 4, leaving his Brooklyn apartment. This case took a perplexing turn when McDonnell's bicycle was later found locked at Fort Tilden Beach, near the location of the grim discovery.
The New York City Police Department, responding to a distressing 911 call, found the mutilated remains lying in the sand. The New York City medical examiner office is now tasked with determining the cause of death. Though the body is yet to be formally identified, law enforcement sources have expressed strong beliefs that the remains are those of McDonnell, based on preliminary assessments.
Adding to the complexity of the case is the lack of apparent foul play or suicide, despite the disturbing condition of the body. Investigators speculate that McDonnell, possibly having gone for a swim, might have been tragically caught in a strong current and drowned. The dismemberment is suspected to be a result of natural factors such as marine life, sharp rocks, and the churning waves of the ocean.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted with the cooperation of the Irish consulate, with DNA testing underway to confirm the identity of the deceased. The NYPD has issued an appeal to the public, urging anyone with information about McDonnell's disappearance to come forward, according to USA Today.
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McDonnell's Disappearance, Grim Find Jolts Cinema Circle
McDonnell, originally from Dublin, Ireland, stood at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, red vest, dark pants, and carrying a black backpack. His disappearance and the subsequent eerie find have sent shockwaves across the filmmaking community and among his admirers worldwide.
Ross McDonnell'sMcDonnell's contribution to the world of film and photography was not just limited to his Emmy win. His debut feature film, "Colony," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, garnering the IDFA First Feature Award and an Irish Film and Television Award Nomination. His sudden disappearance and the potential link to the gruesome find on Breezy Point Beach have left his family, friends, and colleagues in a state of deep distress.
As the NYPD and the medical examiner office work to unravel this perplexing case, the film community mourns the potential loss of a talented artist. Gene Gallerano, a close friend of McDonnell, expressed the emotional weight of the week since McDonnell's disappearance, indicating the profound impact this incident has had on those who knew him.
With the investigation still active, the authorities and the public alike are hoping for answers to the many questions surrounding this tragic and mysterious case. The film world waits in anticipation, hoping for closure and justice in the untimely disappearance of one of its bright talents, Independent reported.
Related Article: Headless Body Found in New York Beach Weeks After Irish Filmmaker Ross McDonell Vanishes
