Olympic snowboarder Alex Pullin has died while spearfishing in Australia.

A snorkeler spotted him on an artificial reef off a beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast on Wednesday morning.

Local officials have confirmed he was unresponsive when taken from the water and was treated by paramedics at the scene, but could not be revived.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said: "The man was spearfishing off Palm Beach. He was brought to shore by bystanders where he was treated by local lifesavers and paramedics."

Pullin, 32, nicknamed Chumpy, was a two-time world champion in 2011 and 2013 in the Snowboard cross, and was also the flag-bearer for Australia at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. 

He also represented his country at both the 2010 Vancouver and 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

The star had previously shared his love for spearfishing on his social media. 

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

A statement said: "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.”

Tributes have since poured in on social media, with former Australian speed skater Steven Bradbury said: “The world will miss such a talented human and a double world champion without ego and without selfishness who is everyone's best mate.”

One user wrote: “As a lover of winter sports and a person that adores Australian athletes, I am shock by the news that Alex Pullin has died. It was definitely too soon. He was an Olympic Snowboarder and you could see that he brought so much joy and happiness. RIP.”

Another said: “RIP Alex Pullin. A legend, an Australian Olympian- we’re loved and supported by an amazing community. Will miss you always.”