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How did Sean Rice die? 'Dancing On Ice' star, 49, was 4-time Canadian fours champion

'The world has lost a great man - a coach, son, friend, husband and poppa bear,' a GoFundMe page read

Popular Canadian ice skater Sean Rice died aged 49 on January 14. Frankie Poultney, a fellow professional skater, took to social media to share the news of the 'Dancing On Ice' star's death. Rice appeared on the show in 2011 and 2012. He has left behind his wife Jodeyne and daughter Signey.

"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," Frankie wrote on Twitter, sharing a video. 

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The cause of Rice's death has not been revealed yet. Rice was a four-time Canadian fours champion between 1993-1996 and a two-time Canadian Pairs bronze medalist between 1993-1995. Rice competed in ITV1’s 'Dancing On Ice' with British TV presenter Angela Rippon. In the show, he was seen teaming up with Chemmy Alcott, a British Olympic skier.

'The world will miss your amazing energy'

Tributes poured in on social media after the news of Rice's death surfaced. "Have just heard the tragic news that Sean Rice, my partner from DOI has passed away. The world will miss your amazing energy and you healing hands. All my love to J and S. x," Chemmy Alcott wrote on Twitter. "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…," professional skater Matt Evers wrote. 

"I know the show has to keep to schedule but there should have been some mention of Sean Rice even if it was after the credits. @dancingonice #DancingOnIce #DoI he was a huge parts of several seasons and tours! RIP," one user wrote on Twitter. "Omg such sadness to hear that Sean rice had passed away, he was and fantastic skater and true gentleman who I had the pleasure to meet at a pros on ice event my thoughts and love are with jodeyne and signey," another commented. One user said, "In utter shock at the news of this lovely man’s passing. I met Sean a few times when he was part of @dancingonice, such beautiful skater alongside his wife Jodyene and a genuinely lovely man. Thoughts are with his family and friends at the time."

A GoFundMe has been launched to support Jodeyne and Signey after Rice's death. "The world has lost a great man - a coach, son, friend, husband and poppa bear. It’s with immense sadness to say that Sean Rice has passed away," the page reads. "Sean was a passionate, larger than life man who would stop and give to anyone who needed him. It’s with that same spirit, we are reaching out to everyone to pour prayers and love over Jodeyne and Signey during this very difficult time."

"So many people have reached out asking how they can help and so we have set up this go fund account to support Jodeyne and Signey at this time. Let’s take care of them the same way Sean always took care of others," it adds. Till the writing of this article, $16,064 USD had been raised from the $25,000 goal.