Melbourne, Jul 8 (IANS): Two-time snowboarding world champion Alex Pulling of Australia on Wednesday passed away after he drowned near a Gold Coast beach, as per local media reports. He was 32.

Pullin, who was the flag bearer for Australia at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, was found on the ocean floor by a snorkeller after he went spearfishing around the area.

A Queensland Ambulance Service officer confirmed the news that they had recieved a call on Wednesday morning regarding a person being found at the bottom of the floor.

"The QAS received a phone call to support the lifeguards down here, where they were attempting to retrieve and resuscitate a 32-year-old male, who was found on the bottom of the ocean," Justin Payne was quoted as saying by ESPN.

"The resuscitation attempt was for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, with CPR the entire time. Unfortunately, the patient (did not) survive."

Pullin won snowboard cross event at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships at La Molina and Stoneham respectively. Australia's winter sports body offered their condolences at the untimely demise of their star skateboarder.

"The Snow Australia community is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of triple Olympian, Alex Pullin, who today lost his life while spear fishing on the Gold Coast this morning," their statement read as per ESPN.

"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."