Ross Alexander MCDONNELL

Our sincere sympathy to you, Nicky, Maureen, Louise and Eva on the heartbreaking loss of your beloved Ross-son and brother.

We are thinking of you and send our love.

Leaba i measc na Naomh ag Ross.

Terry and Pat.

I first met Ross in 2014. We were both working on a film called Strangerland, shooting in Broken Hill, Australia. Out there in the desert, the same place Mad Max was filmed, was a funny place to form a friendship. But Ross and I connected immediately. I remember telling him I was Irish because my dad is from Bangor, in NI. “That’s not the real Ireland, Aimée-Lee”, he replied with his cheeky smile. I can still hear him saying my name in his beautiful voice and with his “real Irish” accent.

We stayed in touch sporadically over the years, as is often the case with friends separated by oceans. But Ross made such a big impact on me, I always considered him a really special and unique friend.

I am so glad that I visited him while he was living in Mexico City. I am so glad my little brother got to meet him, hear his stories, and share in his life with me, for a week. I’ll forever cherish sitting at the bar with him as he introduced us to mescal. He took us to the Lucha Libre one night and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Bellas Artes the following night. Such was Ross, living life to the fullest and embracing the high end of art and society one night, and the cheapest of entertainments the other. I wish I’d been able to spend more time with this person who I actually knew quite briefly, in the scheme of things, but who made such a big impression on me, whose smile I can still see and who I’ll always think of each time I have a fancy tequila. Farewell, RM xx

Dear Nicky, Maureen and family, just today we heard of the death of your son Ross and we are saddened and so sorry for your trouble. A highly talented and able man, may he rest in peace with the Lord.

Sending my deep condolences to the McDonnell family. I first crossed paths with Ross 13 years ago - at CPH:DOX (a doc film fest in Copenhagen) - both of us at the start of our long and winding film careers. We connected immediately and exchanged emails over the years - threads across different cities, countries, and chapters (CDMX, Tulum, Dublin, Afghanistan, Ukraine, BK, LA). He was always on to the next adventure, writing a new chapter with his images, and I was always rooting for him. Gone too soon, it's clear that he touched the lives of countless people around the world, and we collectively carry those memories with us. May his soul rest in peace. Abrazo Ross.

Deepest condolences Nicky and Family on the tragic loss of Ross, our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time
Gerry and Tricia

Deepest sympathy to Nicky, Maureen, and family

We were so sorry to hear that Ross is no longer with us. Sincere condolences to Maureen, Nicky and Louise. Ross was an amazing person, always smiling, kind and the biggest heart. I've fond memories of him when we were growing up. You'll be missed Ross, fly high. All our love to his close friends and family.

Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.

My Sincere Condolence to you Maureen and family on the tragic death of Ross. May he rest in peace.

I worked with Ross many times. Most memorably in 2011, when we spent a couple of weeks living with Fr Dan Eiffe in Juba, South Sudan. He was the most talented photographer I've ever worked with and I told him so at the time. Each evening when we finished working, he'd show me his shots from that day on his laptop. I never failed to be impressed by the beauty of images he captured. I'm so sorry that work commitments prevented me from attending his service today. My deepest sympathes to all his family and friends.

My deepest sympathies to Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva on your loss. Ross was unbelievably talented, funny, positive and kind. I loved working with him and hearing about the latest wild idea he had for a project. He always made the time for a chat, rocking in with his backpack over one shoulder and a big smile on his face. He was one of a kind, and will be hugely missed.x

My heartfelt condolences to Nicky and the entire family on the tragic passing of Ross. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I’m so sorry to Ross’ family and friends for your loss. I was in college with Ross many years ago and since bumped into him from time to time. He was such a friendly, positive, creative guy. He always had a massive smile and a great sense of humour and it was always obvious that he cared deeply about the state of the world and humanity. His art was testament to this. May he rest in peace.

Louise and Eva our sincere condolences on the loss of your lovely brother/uncle. We are thinking of you both and your parents today…..

To Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Ross. My heart goes out to you at this sad time.
Sincerely Ann.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to all the McDonnell family. Thinking of you all in this sad time. Rest in peace Ross

My deepest sympathies to the McDonnell family. I had the pleasure of calling Ross my best pal for a few years of my life and still have such fond memories of hanging out and being awkward teens together in Howth. I never did manage to beat him at snooker. While our paths diverged, I followed and admired his achievements from afar. He lived life to its fullest and has left behind a beautiful body of work for generations to enjoy. May he rest in peace.

We're sorry that we can't join you in saying farewell to your beloved son Ross as we are abroad. Our thoughts will be with you all on this very sad occasion. RIP Ross.
David & Trish.

Dear Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva you are in our thoughts and our prayers at this deeply sad time.
I haven't seen Ross for a while, I always enjoyed seeing photos of him, in particular the recent photo of you all together on your Birthday Maureen. I remember Ross as a lovely boy always happy, he was always a cheery " wee" chappy who loved playing video games with Richard. Ross achieved so much both in his career and his friendships, you must be so very proud. Rest in peace Ross
We all love you all so much very much

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Ross was a friend & colleague who connected with many of us at Forest. We loved his energy, his creativity and his sense of humour. It felt like we were just getting started. He is going to be missed.

Our deepest sympathy to you Nicky, Maureen and family on the death of your beloved son Ross. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time.

Nicky, Maureen & family
Our heartfelt condolences on the untimely passing of Ross. Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Phillips Family

Maureen & Nicky. Deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your dear son Ross. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May Ross rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the Mc Donnell family on the tragic loss of Ross. I haven't seen Ross in a long time unfortunately but will never forget his happy face and our time together in primary & secondary school, a truly great guy.

Dear Nicky, Maureen and family, sending you my heartfelt sympathy on the death of your beloved son Ross. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere Condolences. Rest in Peace Ross.

So sorry Nicky and Maureen

Ross was a kind and thoughtful human. We had wonderful conversations about where we were in the world and the impact we had. How to change what we didn't like. How to recognize our own bad patterns and make ourselves better for it. He was such a great person to bounce ideas off of. Whether they were creative, life or emotion based, or anything really. There was never anything to be embarrassed about when sharing with him.
He touched my life and I am grateful for that.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Nicky and all the family.
May Ross rest in peace.

hi nicky, we saw the news but george ormsby connected the dots only yesterday.
we extend our heartful condolences to you, susan and the rest of the family.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal gaelach.

Our deepest sympathy to Nicky Maureen & Family on the tragic loss of your son Ross

Our Deepest sympathy to you Nicky , Maureen & family. An unbelievable tragedy for you all. The loss of Ross is unmeasurable. Wishing you both peace & strength as you grieve for your Beloved son. Geraldine & Stuart Flanagan.

To Maureen, Nicky, Louise and all the extended family - sending you support and sympathies.

A maverick, Ross strived for excellence in all aspects of his life. It was inspiring to be in his company.

Above all though, and most importantly, Ross was a deeply sensitive person. He was loyal and kind. He was interested and interesting.

We will miss him greatly.

RIP.

Dee and Ross

My heart goes out to you Nicky and Maureen on the loss of your precious son.

My sincere sympathy to your lovely family Maureen and Nicky on the sad loss of your great and special son Ross.

I wish to express our sincere sympathy to Clem and all the McDonnell family on the tragic death of Ross. A remarkable young man who accomplished so much. The loss to his parents, sister and niece is indescribable but his life and the happy memories you have will always be with you and sustain you in your sorrow. God Bless you all

I've only known Ross closely for the past three years. Met working on "The First Wave", admired his artistry and bravery (soon I learned this was but one instance of many), shared in the joy of us winning Emmys for our contributions to the film, and then he came aboard as cinematographer for my first feature as a director (meant so much to work with him), shooting in France and Colorado but with the idea that we may also shoot together in Afghanistan later on. Spent lots of time talking about Afghanistan, especially the last short he made there, but also about life, art, family, the state of humanity. He strived to bring nuance and access to uncomfortable but important spaces with the goal of fostering understanding of people relegated to being "others" or "enemies." The kind of commitment and vision Ross worked so hard for is essential in our world today. But beneath it all was a generosity and good humor that always shone through, not always a given in this line of work. Heartbroken to lose a friend and collaborator - our film will now be dedicated to him - but it pales in comparison to the hurt felt by his family and closest friends. His passing united the many people whose lives he touched worldwide. If or when the time is right, would be happy to help in creating something that commemorates Ross's life, work and legacy, giving back to the community in some way.

RIP Ross, peace to your family and loved ones.

Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva
You are all very much in my thoughts during this time of profound grief on the loss of your much loved Ross.
May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
Marie Fleury

Profound sympathy to Nick, Maureen, Louise, Eva, on the deeply saddening loss of Ross.

My deepest sympathies to Nicky and Maureen on the tragic loss of your beloved Ross. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Maureen, Nicky & Louise.
Deepest condolences to you all during this very difficult time.
Lots of love
Sarah x

Deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends on the passing of Ross.
I have lovely memories of meeting him in the Goat Street Wren and also chatting when we met along the banks of Dingle harbour earlier in the day.
The world was a better place for him having been here and will be a poorer one without him.
Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aige.

My friend Ross - funny, talented, kind, smart. Loved by so many. Never imagined he wouldn't be around. I'll be thinking of your family in the hardest times to come. Love always.

Just heard the very sad news of
ROSS's passing.To Nicky and Family, I offer my heartful sympathies.
Eugene Sheridan.(ex gnd ops)

With all of my respect to Ross McDonnell and His family my condolences!! I meet Ross in Rio de janeiro Brasil 20 years ago and we become friends since. He was an absolute genuine, professional , respectful easy going person . good laugh. Only good memories I have of him, We'll miss you R.I.P my friend 🙏

Im sorry ill never see you again ross ill miss you coming to the house showing me all the cool photographs of me and the lads from balcurris and the storys you would tell of the place's you have been sorry for you loss you wore a real gent 💙

Our deepest sympathy to you on hearing of Ross's passing. We can only offer you our prayers and will be thinking of you during this devastating time in your lives. Love Cathy and Mike

Deepest sympathies to Nicky and Maureen on the tragic loss of your wonderful son Ross.

Maureen, Nicky, Louise and family sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Ross to seems to have made such a huge impact on anyone he met. Remember all the good times you all had together and hopefully they will help ease your pain.

Sincere sympathy Nick on the tragic loss of your beloved son.

Dear Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva.

I’m so very sorry for your loss.

I first met Ross in Kyiv in 2014 when we shared an apartment and worked together.

When I moved to Ireland a few months ago Ross was so encouraging, sending me links to houses to check out on Daft.ie and speaking enthusiastically about this area of north Leitrim that we’re fortunate to have found a home in. I had been looking forward to inviting him to stay.

I very much valued the friendship Ross and I had been strengthening over the summer. I loved how he would suggest a walk in the mountains, swimming or seeing a film rather than my suggestion to head to the pub. We spoke about our work and he offered me generous and thoughtful advice. In a voice note summer he spoke about the weather, sharing a lovely lilted expression: “You never saw a rusty man”. I think about that phrase most days and, like him, plan to keep looking forward and not be worrying about the rain.

Rob

Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva, sending our deepest condolences and love. We´re so sorry for you loss. Ross was such an incredible person, like nobody I have met before or will meet again. A truly unique spirit. He will always be remembered and in our hearts.

Deepest condolences to Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva and all the McDonnell family. Ross was such a great friend, collaborator, co-conspirator and an inspiration. I feel extremely lucky to have known him and I know that his spirit will live on in all who knew him.

To All the Family,
I met Ross many years ago through film work and would've bumped into him from time to time since. Yet despite the short time in knowing him, he made a lasting impression. His courage was outstanding. To me he was one of those rare very unique individuals that the world is Blessed to have and I was truly saddened to hear of his loss.
I wish you all peace & comfort and that Ross's Spirit will always be with you.
Jill x

I worked with Ross for over 7 years. What an adventure to collaborate with this talented man. What a nimble mind, what an incisive eye, what a lively spirit. He could go anywhere, he could step into any world, he could establish instant connection and trust with such a sensitive and empathetic touch. My deepest condolences to the McDonell family. But I know that to anyone who knew him and knew his spirit, we all carry him with us. Much love, Pagan

I would like to express condolences to Nicky with his family for the tragic death of their dear and very talented son Ross. I knew Nicky well many years ago in Limerick. So sad that I am contacting him now in such circumstances.

Dearest Nicky, Maureen, Louise & Eva

Please know you are very much in our thoughts during this time of profound grief. Our hearts are so heavy for you all.

We hope in time you may find some comfort in the shared love and memories of your much beloved Ross, who will be remembered and deeply missed by all of the many lives he touched here & across the globe.

Much love

Profound sympathy to Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva and all the McDonnell family on the loss of such a remarkable man.

I never knew a world without Ross in it. 18 months older to the day, he was intricate and so decent in so many key memories of my childhood. I'm shocked and heartbroken for your loss and the loss to the world of such a vibrant, talented and compassionate soul. Always with a beaming smile and ready to laugh, always so optimistic about humanity. When I think of him, the word 'brave' always comes to mind, always with admiration.

I'm deeply saddened at such a profound loss but deeply grateful I got to know him again more recently as an adult, such a superb, inspiring individual. It is clear from these shared thoughts and messages others feel as I do, that we are all better for knowing him.

As missed as he is loved.

Ross achieved so much in his short life. We viewed his poignant photographs for the Prix Pictet, on the theme of Hope, while they were on display in the V&A. They made a deep impression on us.
These condolences show just how much Ross was loved, admired and inspired. He will be sorely missed by many folk around the world, especially by Maureen, Nicky, Louise and Eva to whom we send our deepest sympathy and love.
Cherish your fond memories of a much loved son, brother and uncle.

Sincerest Sympathy to Nicky, Maureen, Louise, Eva & all the Mc Donnell family on the unexpected passing of your beloved, Ross. Our thoughts & prayers have been with you during this most difficult time.