Who was Ross McDonnell? ‘The Trade’ Cinematography Dead at 44

Ross McDonnell, the acclaimed Irish filmmaker celebrated for his Emmy-winning cinematography on “The Trade,” has tragically passed away at the age of 44. The news was confirmed by his family more than a week after reports of his body being found on a New York City beach.

McDonnell’s unexpected death occurred on Nov. 5, as stated in a notice on RIP.ie. NBC News later reported that the discovered remains appeared to be those of the talented filmmaker. The police received a 911 call on Nov. 17 reporting the discovery of a torso with human legs attached on Queens’ Breezy Point Beach. McDonnell, who had gone missing earlier in the month, was last seen on Nov. 4 leaving his apartment in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood on his bicycle, which was later found locked at Fort Tilden Beach in Queens.

The cause of McDonnell’s death is pending determination by the New York City medical examiner’s office. NBC News sources have indicated that no foul play is suspected, and there is no indication of suicide. It is suggested that McDonnell may have gone for a swim and drowned after getting caught in the current. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities collaborating with the Irish consulate and awaiting DNA results.

Originally hailing from Dublin, McDonnell earned acclaim for his work on Showtime’s “The Trade,” a documentary series delving into the personal stories of those affected by illicit industries. Beginning his career as a photographer, McDonnell transitioned to film after directing his first feature, “Colony,” alongside Carter Gunn, where he also served as the director of photography. The film garnered the IDFA First Feature Award after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. McDonnell’s versatile career included roles as a director, producer, and cinematographer across various projects, ranging from commercials to feature films.

Among his accolades, McDonnell received an Emmy nomination for “Elián,” a documentary produced for CNN Films, BBC, and Jigsaw Productions. He also secured the Outstanding Cinematography: Documentary Emmy for “The First Wave,” directed by Matthew Heineman.

The film community mourns the loss of a talented individual whose contributions to cinematography and storytelling left an indelible mark on the industry. Ross McDonnell is remembered not only for his artistic achievements but also for his impact on the broader landscape of filmmaking.