MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo died unexpectedly at age 46, shocking the world. He’s receiving several tributes. Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay also offered their condolences.
Melbourne Police Found His Dead Body
Police in Melbourne discovered the Scottish-Australian chef’s body in the previous day’s early hours.
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Cause Of Death
Detectives said the death is not suspicious, but the cause of death has not yet been made public.
Jock Hosted Different Shows
In 2019, he co-hosted the famous Channel 10 culinary show with Andy Allen and Melissa Leong, and in 2020, he hosted Junior MasterChef Australia .
His Show Was About To Start
His death occurred just before MasterChef’s 15th season , which featured Jamie Oliver as a guest judge, was about to start in Australia tonight. Because of his death, the show will not be aired this week.
Jamie Paid Tribute
Jamie posted a photo of them together on Twitter .
He Was In Total Shock
He wrote, ”In total shock to hear of the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. Had the best time working with him for this year’s MasterChef Australia. Jock was very generous with his time and spirit in the show and will be so very missed. Sending heartfelt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and the MasterChef team and contestants.”
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Gordon Ramsay Also Tweeted
Gordon Ramsay tweeted, ”Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia.”
He Sent His Love To Jock’s Family
He continued, ”Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx’.”
Police Were Summoned For A Welfare Check
According to a Victoria Police spokeswoman, they discovered Zonfrillo’s dead body at 2 a.m. on Monday after being summoned to an address on Lygon Street in Carlton for a welfare check.
His Family Confirmed His Death
His family confirmed his death on his official Instagram account , saying, “With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday.”
Many Words Can Describe Him
”So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky,” they continued.
They Want To Grieve Privately
They said, ”We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son, and friend.”
Jock’s Family
Lauren Fried, his third wife, and his four children survive him: Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla with Ms. Fried.
Masterchef Australia Also Posted On Instagram
Masterchef Australia posted a lengthy post on Instagram.
He Was The Best Person
They wrote, “Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist, and MasterChef judge, but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother, and son.”
Two Strong Cultures influenced him
“Determined and talented and with plenty of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant his formative years were heavily influenced by two strong cultures, and it was his obsession with food and desire for a new pushbike that at just 12 years old fuelled Jock to knock on kitchen doors looking for a job,” They continued.
He Started Working At 13
The Glasgow-born chef began working in kitchens at 13 and battled heroin addiction and terrible anxiety before training under Marco Pierre White and moving to Australia in 2000.
He Used To Carry Worry Beads
He was noted for carrying worry beads to assist him in dealing with stress.
His Journey To Fame
He rose to prominence in Australia following a life and profession marked by extreme ups and downs. He filed bankruptcy in 2007, five years after setting fire to a trainee cook for working too slowly. He established several popular restaurants in Adelaide, one of which was crowned Australia’s best four years ago.
Last Updated on May 2, 2023 by Asma Irshad
