A star of the Harry Potter films has been found dead in Death Valley in California.

Mixed martial arts expert David Legeno, who played werewolf Fenrir Greyback in three of the blockbuster movies, was hiking in the desert.

He was discovered by a hiking group in a remote wash below Manly Beacon, west of Zabriskie Point in Death Valley on Sunday.

David, 50, is believed to have died of heat related issues and there were no signs of foul play.

His agent confirmed the tragic news to the Mirror today.

David worked as a bouncer and wrestler and his nickname was Lone Wolf before he took up boxing and started working in the movie industry. He also starred in Emmerdale and EastEnders.

His first major film role was in Guy Richie's Snatch and he has also starred in Batman Behins and Centurion along with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2.

(Image: Warner Bros)

Fans of the actor have started to pay tribute to him on Twitter, with one writing: "Very sad to hear about David Legeno. I remember you and him in Outlaw - good film that was. It just needed to be a bit longer. RIP."

Actor Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce Only Fools and Horses, also took to Twitter, posting: "very sad news here . Dave Legeno has passed away . RIP Dave x"

(Image: REX)

David was also said to be an expert in boxing, wrestling, judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and he began his professional MMA career at 42. His nickname was The Enforcer.

He has a daughter and lived in the south of England.

(Image: MCT)

Death Valley is a basin that is 282ft below sea level and is the hottest, driest national park in the U.S.

It is often the hottest part of America with daily temperatures of 49C, while at night the temperature has dropped as low as -9.4C. The highest ever temperature on record was 56.7C.

It got its name after a party of prospectors crossed it in 1849 believing that it was a shortcut to gold mines.