Police do not believe Masterchef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo died in suspicious circumstances, it's been confirmed.
The beloved Scottish chef, who moved to Australia in the 1990s and ran several restaurants there before joining the Masterchef Australia team as a host-judge in 2020, has sadly died at the age of just 46.
Confirming his passing, his devastated family issued a statement on Monday morning and said their hearts are "shattered".
"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," they wrote. "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."
Now, officers in Australia have confirmed they found a deceased Mr Zonfrillo at an address in Melbourne in the early hours of Monday morning and say they are not treating the death as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia: "Police attended a Lygon Street address for a welfare check and located a man deceased about 2am on May 1. The 46 year old man's death is not being treated as suspicious."
As news of Jock's passing is shared on social media around the world, a whole host of other chefs, celebrities and fans have penned thoughtful tributes to him.
Among them, Gordan Ramsay tweeted: "Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx"
The official Masterchef Australia account Tweeted: "Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week."
Hosts of the 'drive show' on Australia's Hit Network radio station, Carrie and Tommy, added: "We are absolutely heartbroken. Jock Zonfrillo 1976-2023," while fan Jackson Langord said: "Jock Zonfrillo was a really essential presence on mainstream Australian television. Vulnerable, frank, honest and unashamedly passionate. This is a huge loss, rest in peace."
Jock is survived by his wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: Ava and Sophia, from previous relationships, and Alfie and Isla, who he had with Lauren.
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