Global Courant 2023-05-01 11:25:00
MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died at the age of 46, Australian media reported Monday.
“Our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend” died in Melbourne on Sunday, his family said Monday.
There was no mention of the cause of death.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
The new season of MasterChef Australia was set to premiere Monday night, but Network 10 confirmed it won’t air this week.
Mr Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and Scottish mother.
He operated renowned restaurants in Sydney and Adelaide for over two decades and became a MasterChef judge in 2019. One of them, Orana, was named the country’s restaurant of the year in 2018 by Gourmet Traveler magazine. year.
He teamed up with Melissa Leong and Andy Allen to replace the show’s original hosts Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.
Mr. Zonfrillo’s family posted a statement on his personal Facebook page, paying tribute and calling for privacy.
“With hearts completely shattered and with no way of knowing how to go through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” the statement read.
“There are so many words that can describe him, so many stories that can be told, but at the moment we are too overwhelmed to put them into words,” it added.
“For those who crossed his path, became his partner or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scotsman in your heart when you have your next whiskey,” the statement read.
Mr. Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife and four children.
