MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, 46, died on the eve of the show's new season, just hours after posting a promotional Instagram post for the show.
The Scottish star was a renowned chef as well as a judge on the popular cooking competition. His restaurant, Orana in South Australia, was highly popular before it closed down in 2020.
Jock was found dead at 2am on Monday morning at an address on Melbourne’s famous Lygon Street, after police were called to perform a welfare check.
Just hours before he was found dead, Jock had uploaded a promotional poster for the new series of MasterChef to his Instagram page as he urged fans to tune into the brand-new series.
Jock's devastated family confirmed the sad news of his death in a statement shared on social media as they paid tribute to the much-loved MasterChef judge.
"With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possible move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday," the heartbreaking statement read.
"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."
Following the news of his sad death, there is now some mystery surrounding Jock's final Instagram post which was uploaded just a matter of hours before he was sadly found dead at the Melbourne address.
Jock had uploaded an image of chef and guest judge Jamie Oliver to his account, alongside the caption: “The time has come for @masterchefau to kick off a new season filled with Secrets & Surprises! And @jamieoliver of course."
Fans of the MasterChef star have now also discovered what seems to be his final Instagram comment which was posted just before his death.
After he uploaded the promotional image of Jamie Oliver for the brand-new series of MasterChef, Jock responded to a fan in the comment section in what could have been his final public interaction on social media.
One excited fan told Jock that her son often watches the programme and does impressions of his Scottish accent.
"Very exciting... (my son shouts out "Joooooock" every time you appear on the advert!!!! He is even practicing his Scottish accent!!!)' the excited fan penned.
To which Jock replied with a crying laughing emoji, in what would be his last ever public social media comment.
The Scottish star, who was based in Australia, is survived by his third wife Lauren Fried and his four children Ava and Sophia – whom are from his first marriages – and Alfie and Isla – from his last marriage.
His death comes just as MasterChef Australia's 15th season was due to begin on Monday night. However, the show did not air in light of the judge's death.
The show tweeted its decision alongside a tribute to Jock, which read: "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."
Jock's cause of death has not yet been confirmed nor shared.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
