TV Dancing On Ice star Sean Rice has died at just 49 years old.
The professional ice skating star, who was on Dancing On Ice in 2011 and 2012, died on January 14 according to family members.
Frankie Poultney, who is an ice skater who is a very close to Sean posted the sad news via Twitter The Mirror says.
Frankie posted: “Pro skaters are heartbroken this day, as we lost a truly big-than-life great legendary skater, father, husband and a friend for 20 years.
“Sean Rice, 20/07/72 – 14/01/22 gone too soon, but we will Love You For A Thousand Years. All of our thoughts are with Signey and Jodeyne.”
A spokesperson from Dancing On Ice said: “We are all deeply saddened to hear this news. Sean was a wonderful skater and friend to many on the Dancing On Ice team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
In the two seasons that Sean was a pro-skater in ITV’s show, Sean was a pro skater. ITV Show, Sean danced with former newsreader Angela Rippon in 2011 and one year later, together with Alpine ski racer Chemmy Alcott.
Chemmy made a tribute to Sean by sending a sweet note through Twitter “Have recently heard about the sad announcement about Sean Rice, my partner from DOI passed away.
“The world will miss your amazing energy and your healing hands. All my love to J and S.”
Sean leaves his spouse Jodeyne Higgins, and the daughter Signey.
Friends of Sean and other stars of Dancing On Ice have paid tribute to the professional skater.
Matt Evers, who is co-starring with Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor on this year’s show and gave a the tribute of Sean through sharing a song they performed in the show with each other and also writing: “One of the best… I want to thank Sean for the gift you gave me.
“This routine from The Professionals on Ice was incredible. It was a pleasure to know and work with you.”
Sean’s best friend Frankie has also shared the details of the GoFundMe page that was created following Sean’s tragic death.
An organizer identified as Mary White wrote on the page for fundraising: “The world has lost an amazing man, an instructor, father wife, friend, husband, and papa bear. We are deeply sad to inform you we are sad to announce that Sean Rice has passed away.
