Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall has shared that her brother has died just hours after posting asking for help, calling his death "unexpected."

The 61-year-old actress took to Instagram less than 24 hours after she had posted about brother Chris Cattrall's disappearance, and asked for privacy during the "trying time".

"It is with great sadness that myself and my family announce the unexpected passing of our son and brother, Chris Cattrall," the actress said on Instagram.

"At this time we ask for privacy but we want to thank you all on social media for your outpouring of love and support in this trying time."

Advertisement

"Christopher Cattrall has been located deceased," tweeted RCMP on Sunday.

The 61-year-old actress had taken to Instagram early Sunday morning and posted that Chris Cattrall, her brother, had been missing from his home in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, since Tuesday.

"MISSING! This is my brother Christopher Cattrall or Chris as we call him," Cattrall said on Instagram.

"He has been missing since Tuesday, January the 30th from his home in Lacombe, Alberta Canada. His keys, cell phone,& wallet left on the table and his front door unlocked.

"This is not like Chris. He he would never leave his unlocked home without those items nor his 7 beloved dogs. Chris is 55 years old, 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, blue eyes, short brown hair, goatee, average build & usually wearing a waist length hooded winter coat with black gloves, blue jeans and calf high black winter boots.

"He's a one of a kind brother. Help us bring him home safe. Please spread the world. Many thanks for reading this. Kim #centralalberta #blackfalds #reddeeralberta."

Another person posted on Facebook that families and friends were "desperate for any news of him" adding that Chris had been the best man at their wedding.

His step daughter, Katie Osmond, also took to social media to share photos of him.

"I know it's hard to find people when they've gone missing. I'm praying that he comes home safe and unharmed," Osmond said on Facebook.