Two-time world snowboard champion Alex Pullin has drowned while spearfishing in Australia.

The Australian, known as Chumpy, had been diving on an artificial reef off Palm Beach, Queensland, when he was found by a snorkeler at around 10.40am local time on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old was unresponsive when taken from the water, a police spokesman said, adding that he died despite receiving CPR from lifeguards and emergency treatment from paramedics.

The spokesman said: “Another diver was out there and located him on the sea floor and raised the attention of nearby surfers who sought lifeguards to bring him in.

“He didn’t have an oxygen mask. We understand he was free diving and spearfishing out on the reef.”

Pullin won gold medals in the snowboard cross event at the 2011 and 2013 world championships and carried Australia’s flag at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Australia’s winter sports body, Snow Australia, said it was shocked and saddened by Pullin’s death.

A statement read: “Our deepest condolences are with Alex’s family, as well as his teammates and support staff.

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

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