The family of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo have announced that he has tragically passed away at the age of 46.
The news comes on the eve of the show’s new season with his family, co-workers and fans paying tribute to the proud Scottish chef. The family of the popular TV star and owner of Orana restaurant in South Australia that closed down in 2020 released a statement confirming the sad news, the Mirror reports.
The statement on social media read: "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.
READ MORE - Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens locked down due to emergency incident
"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: "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 Zonfrillo, who had made Australia his home, was survived by his third wife Lauren Fried and his four children Ava, Sophia, Alfie and Isla. The news of his death comes a day before MasterChef Australia’s 15th season debut.
However those behind the show have delayed the release as a mark of respect. 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 been shared. Meanwhile, a Victoria Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australia how they found the TV star's body at around 2am on Monday after they were called to do a welfare check.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Meanwhile, tributes to the TV star have poured in on social media by celebrities and fans.
Jamie Oliver, who appeared on the upcoming series of MasterChef, posted a photo alongside Jock and fellow MasterChef judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen on his Instagram page to pay tribute.
Jamie said he was in "total shock" over the news as he wrote in the caption: "I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo.
"We had the best time working together for this years master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him !
"Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful…Mellisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have there very own unique view and style…
"Jock will be so very missed…I can’t believe I’m writing this…….Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the master chef team and contestants xxx. Love jamie".
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. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx".
Chef Reynold Poernomo commented on the post to announce Jock's death: "I’m so shocked… rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones".
Nigella Lawson added: "My deepest, deepest sympathies and much love to Jock’s family and friends. How devastating. How unbearable. My heart goes out to you."
MasterChef Australia's 2014 winner Emelia Jackson penned: "Shocked and heartbroken RIP Jock, you will be sorely missed. My condolences to your beautiful family".
And one fan wrote: "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".
Another added: "I am incredibly saddened to hear chef Jock Zonfrillo passed away yesterday. While most know him from MasterChef, Jock was an influential part of SA's hospitality scene. Restaurant Orana was known for showcasing native ingredients. Brining the concept of new Nordic cusine to SA."
"Stunned to hear that Jock Zonfrillo has passed away. What a massive loss," a third added.
Jock was born in Glasgow, Scotland to an Italian father and Scottish mother. His upbringing is said to have inspired his love of food.
He moved to Australia and opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana, which was awarded as one of the world's best eateries before its closure in 2020.
He begun working in the industry from the age of 12 and, by the time he was 17, Jock worked in Marco Pierre White's restaurant.
Jock has previously candidly discussed his battle with heroin and previously likened his experience to the movie Trainspotting.
Discussing his battle, he previously spoke of living outside of his comfort zone.
"'I always have," he said. "Cram it into your mouth, snort it up your nose, bang it into your vein; if it doesn't kill you, you never know: it might make your life more interesting."
Jock managed to keep his battle away from the spotlight until it was revealed in the press in 2014.
Speaking of the reaction amongst his family, he said: "Mum and Dad were the most embarrassed. My mum in particular was very upset that people she knew would know that her son was a junkie.
"Kelly, my ex-wife and mother of my oldest daughter, had no idea. Sure, she knew that I'd taken drugs, but heroin was something else entirely.
"In most people's minds, a heroin junkie is the dirtiest version of an addict, and now everyone I'd ever known would know that about me. The fact I'd been clean for fourteen years felt irrelevant."
READ NEXT:
Iconic Edinburgh hotel 'being primed' for eye-watering £100million sale
West Lothian crooks break into home and steal four figure sum of cash and jewellery
Astounding Edinburgh millionaire's mansion with coach house annexe hits market
Trainee West Lothian nursery worker pushed child's head back with her fingers
West Lothian woman says 102-year-old mum faces 'losing her home' due to council
