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Jock Zonfrillo, host ofMasterChef Australia, has died. He was 46 years old.
“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 the family’s statement. “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.”
Zonfrillo was reportedly found dead in an Australian hotel room after a welfare check, according to theDaily Mail. A Victoria Police spokesperson said his death was not being treated as suspicious, added the outlet.
In an official statement and tribute to the star,MasterChef Australia’sInstagramannounced on Monday that they would not be airing the show this week.
“Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of theMasterChefAustraliafamily,” read the post. “Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist andMasterChefjudge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son.”
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Noting that Zonfrillo’s “love and passion for food saw him become one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age,” they said that “from that point onwards there was no holding him back.” During his career he worked with “world famous chefs and in restaurants all over the world.”
In 2019, the food expert began as a judge onMasterChefAustralia, “in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.”
The post concluded: “Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”
A representative forMasterChef Australiadid not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Network 10
Jamie Oliver, guest celebrity chef on this season’s delayed first episode, wrote of working with the “generous” late host on Twitter.
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PerCNN, Zonfrillo left the UK for Australia in 1999, then became the head chef at Restaurant 41 in Sydney. He then opened up Restaurant Orana in Adelaide, a fine dining establishment that won culinary recognition in 2019 and 2020 up until the restaurant’s closure.
source: people.com
