Tributes flow for MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo following his sudden death aged 46

Famous friends of the Jock Zonfrillo have paid tribute on social media following his sudden death on the eve of the show’s 2023 season launch.

Tributes have flowed for MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo following his sudden death, aged 46.

The renowned chef and restaurateur died in Melbourne on Sunday, with his family confirming the news in a heartbreaking statement.

“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,” it read.

“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.”

Indeed, Zonfrillo’s many celebrity friends struggled to find words after as they paid tribute on social media following news of his passing.

Jamie Oliver was one of them.

“I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo,” he wrote on social media. “We had the best time working together for this years master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him!

Jamie Oliver has posted a statement on his Instagram page.

“Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful…Mellisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have there very own unique view and style…Jock will be so very missed…I can’t believe I’m writing this…….Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the master chef team and contestants.”

Jock Zonfrillo passed away on Sunday aged 46. Picture: Channel 10

“Such a shock! Love to his family. Sleep well my friend. I’m floored!” wrote Colin Fassnidge, a chef and personality on rival cooking show My Kitchen Rules.

“You’re a beautiful man Jock. Felt lucky you and your family came into our lives. Gone to soon brother,” Dylan Alcott said in a comment.

Today Extra host David Campbell also tweeted: “This is terribly sad. My condolences to his wife and kids and all the people he works with.”

Actress Rebecca Gibney wrote, “No words. Utterly heartbroken for you.”

Colin Fassnidge was saddened over the death of his good friend. Picture: Instagram

Meanwhile, Jimmy Barnes also couldn’t believe the news.

“It’s a very sad day. We’ve lost another dear friend,” he tweeted. “Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family. I am speechless Rest my friend xx.”

Fellow chef and former MasterChef Australia contestant Minoli De Silva shared: “This is actually devastating and my brain doesn’t know how to process this. Such a sad day. Will miss you mate.”

It’s a very sad day. We’ve lost another dear friend. Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family. I am speechless Rest my friend xx pic.twitter.com/MFnhcllTsc

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) May 1, 2023

Other former contestants, Reynold Poernomo and Depinder Chhibber, were also overcome by grief.

“I’m so shocked … rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones,” wrote Poernomo, while Chhibber said: “This is so shattering, I’m still in shock.”

Former Bachelorette star and Network 10 journalist Georgia Love also share her condolences.

“I’m so shocked and saddened by this. Jock was so kind, to me and to anyone else I’ve heard he ever had contact with. I’m so sorry,” she wrote.

Georigia Love shared her condolences on Instagram. Picture: Instagram

Minoli De Silva is mourning this loss of her fellow chef. Picture: Instagram

Zonfrillo’s death was confirmed by Channel 10 in a statement on the same day MasterChef was scheduled to return for its 2023 season. The series has been pulled from broadcast for this week.

“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,” the statement read.

“Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge, but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son.

“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”

Originally published as Tributes flow for MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo following his sudden death aged 46