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Masterchef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died. He was 46.
Zonfrillo died on Sunday, 30 April, in Melbourne. No cause of death was given but Victoria state police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Police said they were preparing a report for the coroner, reports AFP.
“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,” Zonfrillo’s family said in a statement reports The Guardian.
“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.”
Masterchef Australia paid tribute to the television presenter on Instagram.
“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.”
According to the post, Zonfrillo became the youngest culinary student to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at 15. At 17, he worked alongside British chef Marco Pierre White at his restaurant.
“In 2019, Jock was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia, in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and, of course, inspiring a nation of home cooks.”
“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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Tributes are pouring in on social media; celebrity chef Jamie Oliver who appears on the first episode of the new season wrote on Instagram: “We had the best time working together for this year’s MasterChef; 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. Jock will be so very missed … I can’t believe I’m writing this…….”
Gordon Ramsay wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Scottish-born Australian rock star Jimmy Barnes said on social media he had lost a “dear friend”.
“Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family.”
MasterChef will not be airing this week following Zonfrillo’s death.
Zonfrillo is survived by his wife Lauren Fried, and four children.
