MasterChef Australia judge and celebrity chef, Jock Zonfrillo dies at 46

The Scottish-Australian celebrity chef, and one of the three judges of ‘Masterchef Australia’, Jock Zonfrillo died at the age of 46.

The chef, author and philanthropist, Zonfrillo died on April 30, a day before the premiere of the new season of the show with guest judge Jamie Oliver was set to take place, confirmed his family sources to foreign media outlets.

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In an official statement on Instagram, the Zonfrillo family wrote, “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.”

“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,” the statement read further.

“We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.”

Tributes poured in for the late chef from his co-judges, past contestants of ‘Masterchef Australia’ and chefs from all over the world.

Moreover, the channel also took to its Twitter handle to mourn the loss. “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week,” the post read.

Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday.
MasterChef Australia will not air this week. pic.twitter.com/cmtDuJr19P

— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) May 1, 2023

It is pertinent to mention here that Zonfrillo was a part of the competition since 2019, starting as a guest just. In 2020, he joined it as the judging trio with former winner Andy Allen and food writer Melissa Leong.

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Zonfrillo is survived by his wife, Lauren Fried, and four children.