World champion snowboarder Alex Pullin dies aged 32 while spearfishing

Australia’s two-time world champion snowboarder Alex Pullin has died while spearfishing off the Gold Coast.

The 32-year-old was found unresponsive off Palm Beach in Queensland after being spotted by a snorkeller, according to local reports.

A police official told Australia's Channel 9 News Pullin appeared to have been diving alone.

Officer Chris Tritton said: "He didn't have an oxygen mask, we understand he was free diving and spearfishing out on the reef."

In recent days Pullin had posted pictures on social media of himself spearfishing.

Pullin, known as 'Chumpy', was Australia’s flag-bearer at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where he competed in the men’s snowboard cross and reached the quarter-finals.

He won world titles in 2011 and 2013 and was and placed sixth in his event at the Pyeongchang Games in South Korea two years ago.

Snow Australia issued a statement which read: "The Snow Australia community is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of triple Olympian, Alex Pullin, who today lost his life while spearfishing on the Gold Coast."

"Our deepest condolences are with Alex’s family, as well as his team-mates and support staff."

"Alex was a beloved member of the Snow Australia community and he will be dearly missed."