Chef Jock Zonfrillo dies aged 46

Scottish chef and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died aged 46 on Sunday 30 April, his family has confirmed.

The BBC reported Zonfrillo was found dead at a house in Melbourne by police in the early hours of Monday morning. Police told the publication his death was not being treated as suspicious.

A statement from his family on Instagram said: “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.

“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.”

Born in Glasgow in 1976, Zonfrillo’s UK career included an apprenticeship at the Turnberry hotel in Ayrshire and working for Marco Pierre White at the Hyde Park hotel in London. He spoke openly about his struggles with drug addiction before he moved to Australia, where he opened restaurants including Orana.

Zonfrillo was awarded the 2018 Basque Culinary World Prize 2018 for his work safeguarding Aboriginal culinary traditions.

Photo: Jacqui Way