MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died at the age of 46.
His family confirmed the sad news the Scottish-born TV personality and restauranter passed away in Melbourne on May 1.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
“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.
“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 is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla whom he shares with Lauren.
Jock Zonfrillo’s death comes as MasterChef‘s fifteenth season was due to premiere on May 1
Network Ten and Endemol Shine Australia shared their heartfelt sympathies and in a statement said they are “deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family.”
Out of respect for the beloved chef, best-selling author, and philanthropist, MasterChef will not air this week as planned.
The fifteenth season was due to premiere on May 1.
Police release a statement after Jock Zonfrillo’s death
A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they discovered Jock’s body “at about 2 am on May 1 after they were called to an address on Lygon Street in Carlton for a welfare check”.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Jock has long suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and addiction.
Tributes for Jock Zonfrillo flow after the sad news of his death
News of Jock’s sudden passing is being felt by people all over the world, many of whom reached out to share their respects.
“Such a shock! Love to his family. Sleep well, my friend. I’m floored,” wrote fellow expatriate chef and TV personality Colin Fassnidge. “I am speechless at the loss of a young man.”
Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott said he felt “lucky” to have been part of his circle.
“You’re a beautiful man Jock. Felt lucky you and your family came into our lives. Gone too soon brother,” he wrote.
Jimmy Barnes, whose family shared many home-cooked meals Jack and his family, said the MasterChef judge was “like a brother to me”.
“It’s a very sad day. We’ve lost another dear friend. Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family. I am speechless. Rest my friend xx,” the singer posted.
“Holding Jock’s family close to my heart and thinking of those in his circle at this saddest of times. He touched so many of us,” Studio 10 host Narelda Jacobs wrote.
MasterChef contestant Reynold Poernomo said: ‘I’m so shocked. Rest in peace, chef. My heart and condolences to loved ones.”
The Bachelor alum Georgia Love shared: “I’m so shocked and saddened by this. Jock was so kind, to me and to anyone else I’ve heard he ever had contact with. I’m so sorry”.
A look back at Jock Zonfrillo’s sensational career
Network Ten and Endemol hired Jock in late 2019 as one of the three new hosts of its flagship cooking show after original hosts Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan departed.
They described him as “determined and talented and with plenty of grit”.
“Jock’s love and passion for food saw him become one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age,” Ten and Endemol said in a statement.
“From that point onwards there was no holding him back and by 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White.
“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”
Vale Jock.
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