In an unfortunate turn of events, it has been revealed that MasterChef Australia judge and award-winning chef Jock Zonfrillo has passed away. He was 46 years old, and no cause of death has been made public as of yet. The police don’t believe it to be suspicious, though. In a statement from Australian broadcaster Network 10, “MasterChef Australia” host Jock Zonfrillo revealed that he passed away abruptly at the age of 46 just before the start of the new season. According to the announcement, the Scottish presenter passed suddenly on Sunday in Melbourne without a known cause of death.
Zonfrillo joined the well-known cooking competition in 2019 and was scheduled to appear on Monday’s season debut with Jamie Oliver, a guest judge from the United Kingdom. According to a statement from Network 10, the episode has been taken off the air.
Zonfrillo, who was born in Glasgow in 1976, received his training from some of the most renowned chefs in the world. He began his career in the kitchen in London, England, working for chef Marco Pierre White, whom he later credited with saving his life.
Jock’s Family Announces The Heart-breaking News
On Monday, May 1, Jock’s family announced the tragic news of his passing, describing him as “our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son, and friend.” The family released a heartbreaking statement, saying they were “devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday.” “With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can move through life without him,” the statement read.
They said, “So many stories can be told about him. So many words can be used to describe him. But right now we’re too overwhelmed to do so. Keep this proud Scot in your hearts. The next time you sip whisky for those who crossed his path. Became his partners, or were fortunate enough to be his family. Jock’s wife and four children, who are still in mourning, are his only survivors.”
Jock, a Glasgow native, has been working in kitchens since he was 12 years old. He even developed a heroin addiction as his career advanced. Until turning his life around in 1990 after moving to Australia. He eventually opened several eateries and became famous. Due to his passing, the new season of MasterChef Australia has been canceled.
