My friend and one of the best photographers of his generation disappeared in New York. Almost two weeks later, his body washed up on a beach in Queens.
Dear Eva, Thanks so much for this message and my heart goes out to you and your family. Ross often talked about you and I could see he adored you very much. A big hug and thinking of you and family. Ioan
I feel the pain of searching for a loved one when the odds are stacked against a positive outcome. His parents having to come to the US to search is a horrible thing for them to expreience. My heart goes out to them.
We are loving friends of Ross and immensely appreciate this beautiful piece. We’ve connected with one small circle of friends (friendships begun over 20 years ago in NYC), but would like to find out how we might be in touch with you and others? We aren’t on Facebook.
Hi Rachel. Thanks for reaching out and I am glad the piece resonated with you. What a loss and tragedy. Send a mail to ioangrillo@hotmail.com and I can link you up to other friends of Ross. Best.
The death of any real journalist is a great tragedy, so I'm hoping he's found. I hadn't made the connection but looked him up to find that I'd watched his director's debut, 'Colony'. I also saw 'The First Wave' and 'The Trade', which I loved, but being more a pleb than a cinephile, I wasn't focusing on his cinematography role. I would love to watch 'Elian' but unfortunately don't have an income to stream it. But I can view his photos online - exceptional black and white, full of emotion. May his insight return to our lives.
Yeah, a real talent. He would talk about his debut Colony with a great place in his heart. And his photos are off the chart. I don't just say this because he was my friend and what has happened, but he really was one of the most talented photographers of a generation.
I met Ross just last month, walking home after yoga. We only talked twice, but he left a real impression-something so enthusiastic, full and bright about him.
I guess you are aware of what I am about to tell you. A headless body which is also missing a limb (I can't remember which was found). Authorities said this is normal to find a body in such a condition. Great white sharks and rocks may be responsible. Tough all around still. I can't compare, although we lost our only son back in 1993 during a heart surgery procedure. That was tough and led to a separation from my wife for a number of years. She was more affected than I was.
Very sorry to hear about your son Jeff and I can't imagine how tough that was. Yes, I guess there are many ways a body at sea can be damaged. Best there friend.
Rare for a drowned swimmer's body to be found without arms and head. Rarer still for a murder victim who fought back to have no marks on hands. Commonly, executions are pistol shots to the head, if not a bludgeoning. Guess it's a coincidence this NYC movie & photo pro covered drug cartels and anti-war topics. Me wonders what his future projects included, perhaps he had sought funding?
Hey Jimmily - There are certainly a lot of questions. But as of now that body has not been id'd as him and DNA tests can take some time. Once I have significant info, I will do an update. All best and thanks for reading and the thoughts. Best.
Reading here about his life - a person of real engagement with the world, brave, giving insight through his work - it's a shame and a loss, too young. Sorry for his family and the friends.
Hi Annette - Yes, it's a true tragedy. And also I am not just saying because he was my friend, but I honestly think he was one of the most important photo journalists and documentary cinematographers of our generation. Thanks for all your support and good to hear your voice here, Ioan
I am sorry to hear about your friend. I have never experienced this, so I'm at loss for words, although I have experienced other life threatening situations as an Army officer, but none of them resulted with lethal consequences. I hope you have accepted the fact by now, that he's not coming back and live with your best memories of him. Take care my friend, you still have stories to tell.
Very said to hear about your missing friend Ioan. It’s one reason why each of has a finite time to create a Legacy. Ross clearly has created a Legacy of Work that will stand the test of time.
Thanks so much Katy. I real deep pain is with the family I guess and us friends have nothing in comparison. But I also think it is important to celebrate his life. All best there and thanks for reading and good to hear your voice here.
hi, i’m ross’s niece, eva.
i wanted to thank you so much for this beautiful artical.
ross means the world to me and he was my best friend.
i hope you’re doing okay and our family is here for you if you need us. 💚
Dear Eva, Thanks so much for this message and my heart goes out to you and your family. Ross often talked about you and I could see he adored you very much. A big hug and thinking of you and family. Ioan
I feel the pain of searching for a loved one when the odds are stacked against a positive outcome. His parents having to come to the US to search is a horrible thing for them to expreience. My heart goes out to them.
Thanks there DonDon. Yeah, it was not parent should have to go though. Un abrazo friend.
We are loving friends of Ross and immensely appreciate this beautiful piece. We’ve connected with one small circle of friends (friendships begun over 20 years ago in NYC), but would like to find out how we might be in touch with you and others? We aren’t on Facebook.
With full hearts, Rachel and David Scher
Hi Rachel. Thanks for reaching out and I am glad the piece resonated with you. What a loss and tragedy. Send a mail to ioangrillo@hotmail.com and I can link you up to other friends of Ross. Best.
The death of any real journalist is a great tragedy, so I'm hoping he's found. I hadn't made the connection but looked him up to find that I'd watched his director's debut, 'Colony'. I also saw 'The First Wave' and 'The Trade', which I loved, but being more a pleb than a cinephile, I wasn't focusing on his cinematography role. I would love to watch 'Elian' but unfortunately don't have an income to stream it. But I can view his photos online - exceptional black and white, full of emotion. May his insight return to our lives.
Yeah, a real talent. He would talk about his debut Colony with a great place in his heart. And his photos are off the chart. I don't just say this because he was my friend and what has happened, but he really was one of the most talented photographers of a generation.
I read that they may have found his body. Appreciate you giving an update if DNA is confirmed.
Hey there Mike. Yes, they found a body but nothing at all confirmed. I will def do an update if it is.
His photos on Afghanistan add severe perspective - https://prix.pictet.com/cycles/hope/ross-mcdonnell
Yes, that was a very interesting idea. He came from a different place and was over the moon with that prize.
Rest in Peace your friend, Ioan
Thanks so much and best William
I met Ross just last month, walking home after yoga. We only talked twice, but he left a real impression-something so enthusiastic, full and bright about him.
Sending comfort and strength to his loved ones,
Liesbet
Thanks much for relating this Liesbet. He really touched the hearts of so many and it comforting to hear the stories about him. What a loss. Best.
Sorry for the loss of a friend. #Prayers with Ross 🙏🏼
Thanks Alberto. Praying with you brother.
I guess you are aware of what I am about to tell you. A headless body which is also missing a limb (I can't remember which was found). Authorities said this is normal to find a body in such a condition. Great white sharks and rocks may be responsible. Tough all around still. I can't compare, although we lost our only son back in 1993 during a heart surgery procedure. That was tough and led to a separation from my wife for a number of years. She was more affected than I was.
Very sorry to hear about your son Jeff and I can't imagine how tough that was. Yes, I guess there are many ways a body at sea can be damaged. Best there friend.
Rare for a drowned swimmer's body to be found without arms and head. Rarer still for a murder victim who fought back to have no marks on hands. Commonly, executions are pistol shots to the head, if not a bludgeoning. Guess it's a coincidence this NYC movie & photo pro covered drug cartels and anti-war topics. Me wonders what his future projects included, perhaps he had sought funding?
Hey Jimmily - There are certainly a lot of questions. But as of now that body has not been id'd as him and DNA tests can take some time. Once I have significant info, I will do an update. All best and thanks for reading and the thoughts. Best.
Reading here about his life - a person of real engagement with the world, brave, giving insight through his work - it's a shame and a loss, too young. Sorry for his family and the friends.
Hi Annette - Yes, it's a true tragedy. And also I am not just saying because he was my friend, but I honestly think he was one of the most important photo journalists and documentary cinematographers of our generation. Thanks for all your support and good to hear your voice here, Ioan
If dont stop the Narco state here in México, it will have streinght and force, enough to invade other places, countrys, is worried at this time
Yes, it's a huge issue that can't be ignored. Best there Antonio.
Listen. If you come this way (Wash DC), feel free to call me. It;s not the Hilton, but next best thing, 571-218-8135. I'm about 20 miles south.
Thanks so much Jeff and really appreciated. Best.
Ioan-
I am sorry to hear about your friend. I have never experienced this, so I'm at loss for words, although I have experienced other life threatening situations as an Army officer, but none of them resulted with lethal consequences. I hope you have accepted the fact by now, that he's not coming back and live with your best memories of him. Take care my friend, you still have stories to tell.
Thanks much for all your support Jeff - and yes what a loss and tragedy. All best there friend.
Very said to hear about your missing friend Ioan. It’s one reason why each of has a finite time to create a Legacy. Ross clearly has created a Legacy of Work that will stand the test of time.
Thanks their Bobby. So true about us having a limited time and indeed Ross had an impact many of us aspire to. All best there friend.
I know this must be very painful for you. I m so sorry!
Thanks so much Katy. I real deep pain is with the family I guess and us friends have nothing in comparison. But I also think it is important to celebrate his life. All best there and thanks for reading and good to hear your voice here.
I hoped in the voicemail he would say your name--so I would finally know how to pronounce it correctly.
He started with "maaaate." It's pronounced yo-un, more or less. Best there Pastor Sam.