Fans discover what is believed to be Jock Zonfrillo’s final public interaction on social media

A mere few hours before being found dead by police, late MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo interacted with one of his fans online.

The final public online interaction of late MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo has been revealed, with the star believed to have been active on his social media account just hours before his death.

The 46-year-old chef died in Melbourne on Sunday, one day before the 2023 season of the cult cooking program was set to premiere.

Fans of the program have since discovered what is believed to be one of, if not the very last, comment he ever wrote.

It was in response to a fan’s comment under a post from Zonfrillo on Monday promoting the new season.

“The time has come for @masterchefau to kick off a new season filled with Secrets & Surprises! And @jamieoliver of course,” his post read.

Zonfrillo, seemingly late Sunday evening, responded to a comment from a parent highlighting how excited their son was about seeing the chef on TV.

“Very exciting … (my son shouts out “Joooooock” every time you appear on the advert!!!! He is even practising his Scottish accent!!!),” the parent wrote.

Zonfrillo replied by tagging the account and leaving a laughing emoji.

Jock Zonfrillo replied to a fan’s comment with a laughing emoji. Picture: Instagram

After learning of his death, several commented in the thread speculating whether the emoji was his final Instagram interaction.

“So hard to believe you are gone when you commented this just a couple of hours ago,” one person wrote.

“You may have been one of the last people he responded to early this morning. Very sad news he passed away,” another said.

“His reply not even 24 hours yet! Probably this was his last reply,” a third said.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Zonfrillo was scheduled to take part in a number of media interviews both ahead of and following the first episode, which was due to air on Monday night.

Channel 10 has since announced it would delay the broadcast for one week, following the judge’s unexpected passing.

Zonfrillo’s body was found by police on Monday at 2am. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AFI

The network and his family issued a statement after his sudden 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,” Jock’s family said in a statement Monday.

“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.

“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.”

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife Lauren Fried and his four children Ava, Sophie, Alfie and Isla.

A post on Jock Zonfrillo’s Instagram page.

Channel 10 paid tribute to the star in a statement of its own.

“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,” the network said.

“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.”

The renowned chef established himself in Australia as the head chef at Restaurant 41 in Sydney in 2000, before going on to open Restaurant Orana in 2013.

Restaurant Oranaa was named as Restaurant of the Year by Gourmet Traveller in 2018 and by the Good Food Guide in 2019.

He initially worked under renowned Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White.

“Zonfrillo climbed his way to the top of the gastronomic ladder only to abdicate his position. He still inspires chefs worldwide,” Mr Pierre White said about Mr Zonfrillo in 2022.

Mr Zonfrillo grew up in Glasgow to an Italian father and Scottish mother.

He began working in kitchens as a dishwasher part-time at the age of 13 before going on to leave school to start an apprenticeship in the kitchens of the Turnberry Hotel on the west coast of Scotland.

Originally published as Fans discover what is believed to be Jock Zonfrillo’s final public interaction on social media