Former Dancing On Ice skater Sean Rice dies aged 49 as stars of ITV show lead tributes to ‘larger than life great’
- The Dancing On Ice star, who appeared on the show in 2011 and 2012, passed away on January 14, friends have said.
- Frankie Poultney, a fellow professional skater, took to Twitter on Sunday to share the sad news
- She wrote: ‘Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great – an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20yrs.’
- A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice has 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.’
Canadian ice skater Sean Rice has died at the age of 49.
The Dancing On Ice star, who appeared on the show in 2011 and 2012, passed away on January 14, friends have said.
Frankie Poultney, a fellow professional skater, took to Twitter on Sunday to share the sad news.
Sad: Canadian ice skater Sean Rice has died at the age of 49. The Dancing On Ice star, who appeared on the show in 2011 and 2012, passed away on January 14, friends have said; pictured in 2012
She wrote: ‘Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great – an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20yrs.
‘Sean Rice, 20/07/72 – 14/01/22 gone too soon but we will Love You For A Thousand Years – all our thoughts are with Signey & Jodeyne.’
Matt Evers, who is partnered with Sally Dyvenor in this year’s series, also took to Twitter to share a tribute.
Upsetting: Frankie Poultney, a fellow professional skater, took to Twitter on Sunday to share the sad news; pictured on the show with Chemmy Alcott in 2012
He wrote: ‘One of the best… thank you Sean for your gift. This routine from The Professionals on Ice was incredible. It was a pleasure to know and work with you…’
Sean was partnered with Angela Rippon in 2011 and ski racer Chemmy Alcott in 2012.
Chemmy wrote on Twitter: ‘Have just heard the tragic news that Sean Rice, my partner from DOI has passed away.
Tribute: Frankie Poultney, a fellow professional skater, took to Twitter on Sunday to share the sad news
Devastating: Matt Evers, who is partnered with Sally Dyvenor in this year’s series, also took to Twitter to share a tribute
Sad: Sean was partnered with Angela Rippon in 2011 and ski racer Chemmy Alcott in 2012. Chemmy took to Twitter to express her sadness
‘The world will miss your amazing energy and you healing hands. All my love to J and S. x’
Sean had a daughter Signey with his wife Jodeyne Higgins.
A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice has 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.’
It is not yet known the cause of Sean’s death.
Talent: Sean was also partnered with Angela Rippon back in 2011 (pictured)
Family: Sean had a daughter Signey with his wife Jodeyne Higgins (pictured, 2012)
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