Dave Legeno dead: Harry Potter actor found in Death Valley

Tom Felton who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series paid tribute to his colleague on Twitter and Instagram

Dave Legeno pictured at the Moor Fitness Gym, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, Britain on 10 Aug 2009 (Rex)

Dave Legeno, the actor who played werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the film adaptations of the Harry Potter books, has died while hiking in California, the US police have confirmed.

A pair of hikers discovered the 50-year-old in a remote part of the Death Valley in the early hours of last Sunday, the Inyo County Sheriff said. His death was confirmed by his management on Friday.

Police believe Legeno, who was also a mixed martial arts fighter, died of heat-related issues, but added that the Inyo County Coroner will determine the final cause of death.

A helicopter was sent out at the time to locate and retrieve his body.

"There are no signs of foul play," a sheriff's department spokesman said.

Those who worked with the actor and former cage-fighter during his varied career paid tribute to him on social media.

Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, wrote on Twitter: "Gutted to hear the sad news about Dave Legeno. He was a true Big, Friendly, Gentleman. Was a pleasure every time we met #BFG #DaveLegeno."

Later, Felton posted an Instagram picture of the pair together on a publicity poster for the Harry Potter films.

"Dave Legeno. It was always a pleasure. He was a great talent with a heart of gold and always had time," he wrote alongside the image.

"Just heard about the passing of DaveLegeno . That's really v sad. I vividly remember training with him. Really nice guy. RIP big man," UFC commentator and former competitor John Gooden wrote on the social media website.

As well as the family-aimed the Harry Potter franchise, Legeno also appeared in Guy Ritchie's 2000 film Snatch, and as a League of Shadows warrior in 2005's Batman Begins. His next role was in the upcoming film Sword of Vengeance, produced by Vertigo Films.

Additional reporting by PA