'MasterChef Australia' Jock Zonfrillo Dead, Premiere Postponed

Heartbreaking tragic news this afternoon as MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo was found dead at the age of 46. Tragically, he was discovered in his hotel room on Melbourne’s Lygon Street on Monday morning (May 1st) at about 2 a.m by police following the request for a welfare check.

This news is especially tragic for fans as the Season 15 Premiere of MasterChef Australia was scheduled to air the same day his death was announced. Due to the circumstances, and out of respect for his loved ones, producers have decided to postpone airing the Season 15 Premiere.

The biggest question fans have at this point is simple: Has a cause of death been released just yet? What caused this celebrity chef and cooking judge to pass away at the age of 46?

Jock Zonfrillo - Instagram — Jock Zonfrillo – Instagram

MasterChef Australia: Jock Zonfrillo Dead, Cause Of Death?

Unfortunately, multiple outlets are confirming that a cause of death has not been made public at this time. Several outlets are also confirming that authorities do not believe there was any foul play connected to his death. Given his history with addiction, some of his fans are understandably concerned drugs may have been involved in his passing. That, however, is simply fan speculation at this time and nothing has been reported regarding his cause of death as of yet.

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A post shared by Jock Zonfrillo (@zonfrillo)

With “shattered hearts” the family issued a devasting statement to his Instagram profile noting that they had no idea how they were going to move on without him.

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.”

After confirming the Season 15 Premiere would be postponed, the producers of MasterChef Australia also issued a statement: “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.”

Other celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have also issued statements on his tragic passing.

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A Closer Look At His Life

Born Barry Zonfrillo, the celebrity cooking chef originally trained as a chef in the United Kingdom before moving to Australia early on in the 2000s. After settling into Southern Australia, he opened a successful restaurant called Orana in 2013 and a second one called Bistro Blackwood in 2017. Orana was recognized as one of the top eateries in Australia and one a plethora of awards. Moreover, he became recognized as one of the top chefs in Australia.

Sadly, Bistro Blackwood closed in 2019 and Orana followed a year later. This was when he shifted his career to television while still following his original passion for cooking. He started off as a guest judge for MasterChef Australia for Seasons 10 and 11. By Season 12, he became a permanent judge on the panel. He also went on to judge and host the spinoffs, Celebrity MasterChef Australia and Junior MasterChef Australia.