Police are investigating reports that a photo of the footballer Emiliano Sala's body have been posted online.
It's claimed the image show the footballer's remains at a mortuary in the UK.
In a statement, Dorset Police said: "We are aware that a picture reported to be of Mr Sala’s body has been shared on social media channels and are disgusted that somebody did this.
"It is clearly a very difficult time for Mr Sala’s family and they should not have to endure additional pain that this shameful act will undoubtedly cause."
It added that several agencies are working to establish "how the picture was taken and who is responsible".
The 28-year-old footballer died in in January, while the light aircraft he was travelling in from Nantes to Cardiff crashed in the English Channel.
His body was recovered several weeks later during a private recovery operation.
Pilot David Ibbotson also disappeared in the crash, and his body has not been found.
