Tributes are flowing from around the world after the shock death of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo.
Victoria Police confirmed on Monday that they had found the body of a 46-year-old man after being asked to perform a welfare check at a property on Lygon Street, Carlton, in inner-Melbourne, about 2am on Monday.
The celebrity chef’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
Zonfrillo’s devastated family confirmed his death on Monday afternoon.
“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 said in a statement posted to his Instagram.
“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.”
Zonfrillo is survived by his wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children; Ava and Sophia, from previous relationships, and Alfie and Isla, shared with Ms Fried.
While the Scottish-born, Melbourne-based chef and presenter’s MasterChef Australia co-hosts have not publicly reacted to the news of his death, Channel 10 released a statement.
“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,” it said.
“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.
“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.”
The 15th series of MasterChef Australia had been due to premiere on Monday night. But the show will now not air this week.
Fellow chef Gordon Ramsey tweeted he was “saddened by the devastating news”.
“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,” he said.
Other celebrities have also posted condolences.
Tweet from @JimmyBarnes
More condolences came in the form of comments under the Instagram post announcing Zonfrillo’s death.
“No words. Utterly heartbroken for you,” actor Rebecca Gibney said.
“You’re a beautiful man Jock. Felt lucky you and your family came into our lives. Gone too soon brother,” Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott wrote.
“I’m so shocked and saddened by this. Jock was so kind, to me and to anyone else who I’ve heard he ever had contact with. I’m so sorry,” former Bachelorette Georgia Love said.
Zonfrillo was the former owner of award-winning fine-dining Restaurant Orana on Adelaide’s Rundle Street. It operated from 2013 until its closure in 2020.
He also owned Blackwood Bistro, which operated from 2016 to 2019, and Italian wine and snack bar Mallozzi on Rundle Street, which stopped trading in 2019 less than seven months after opening.
Zonfrillo is also a former programming director of Tasting Australia.
Network 10 said Restaurant Orana was “recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020 and [Zonfrillo] also received global accolades, accepting the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018”.
“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”
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