GARRYOWEN native Derek Murphy is missing after his boat capsized on the Mississippi River on Saturday afternoon near New Orleans.
Derek, who is in his forties, was a member of the Garryowen AIL League winning team in 1991.
According to the US Coast Guard Mr Murphy and the man he was travelling with were last seen on Saturday at about 2.30pm.
A search and rescue operation using a helicopter and several boats carried out by members of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries lasted for three days.
It is believed that the two men got into difficulty when their small, light, flat bottomed boat became stuck amid a fleet of barges.
The Mississippi river is said to be dangerous for small boats and unfortunately neither man was wearing a lifejacket.
Mr Murphy, who worked in the construction industry, emigrated to the US more than ten years ago.
Rhebogue councillor Kieran O’Hanlon said that it was a terrible tragedy, “From a community point of view, my sympathies go to his family who have been very active with Richmond Rugby and Geraldines soccer club”.
