Award-winning chef and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo died at the age of 46. The news was shared on Monday and it sent shockwaves through the food industry. He is survived by his wife and four children. The reason for death has not been stated yet. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Zonfrillo started working in kitchens during his teenage years. He worked under chef Marco Pierre White in London and then moved to Australia in the late 90s. The news was also shared by the official handle of MasterChef Australia. Take a look:
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
Also Read: Classic French Omelette Gets A Makeover With Rich Creme And Caviar
The 15th season of MasterChef was due for premier on May 1 with Zonfrillo as one of three judges. However, the show has now been postponed by the network. "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," they wrote.
Jock Zonfrillo's family too shared a statement on Instagram about the award-winning chef's death. "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 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," the statement added.
A number of prominent celebrities and chefs from the food industry shared tributes on Twitter. Expressing their grief and condolences, they wished their family the strength to bide through tough times. Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Kunal Kapur were among those who expressed their feelings. Take a look:
Statement from family of MasterChef star Jock Zonfrillo: pic.twitter.com/Nu1FdNw9aG— Peter Ford (@mrpford) May 1, 2023
Just upset to hear of the passing of Jock Zonfrillo. Too young and too talented to go. What a loss. My deepest condolences to his family, friends @fooderati and all @masterchefau This is just too too sad 😔🙏💔— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) May 1, 2023
In total shock to hear of the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. Had the best time working with him for this year's @MasterChefau. Jock was very generous with his time and spirit in the show and will be so very missed. Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his… pic.twitter.com/Ssa9qOKiFr— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) May 1, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that I write today to express my deepest condolences on the passing of #JockZonfrillo. His sudden departure from this world has left us all in shock and disbelief. @Zonfrillo 💔 As a fellow chef, I had the privilege of working alongside Jock and getting… pic.twitter.com/ygxgasp7Gi— Kunal Kapur (@ChefKunalKapur) May 1, 2023
Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) May 1, 2023