Jock Zonfrillo, the presenter of MasterChef Australia, passed away on Monday at the age of 46, according to a note from his family.
Police in Melbourne discovered Zonfrillo dead in the early hours of Monday. He was a father of four who was of Scottish and Australian descent and a judge on the well-known TV cooking competition.
His family sent a message on social media saying they were “devastated to share that Jock passed away” with “completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him.”
“Keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky for those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were fortunate enough to be his family.”
Although no cause of death was given, Victoria State Police stated that the death was not being investigated.
The coroner’s report was being prepared, according to the police.
The Endemol Shine Australia production company and Network 10’s MasterChef Australia broadcaster both expressed their “deep shock” at his untimely passing.
Zonfrillo, an Italian father and a Scottish mother who was born in Glasgow, was described as “talented and with plenty of grit” and as having been greatly impacted by both of his parents’ cultures.
“It is impossible to quantify Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humor, generosity, passion, and love for food and his family. His absence will be felt deeply.
Jimmy Barnes, an Australian rock artist of Scottish descent, announced the loss of a “dear friend” on social media.
Jock and I made each other laugh and weep, and he was like a brother to me. My thoughts are with his family.
Due to Zonfrillo’s passing, this week’s episode of MasterChef won’t be broadcast.
