Nigella Lawson has paid tribute to Jock Zonfrillo, saying she ‘can’t stop thinking’ about his family and those that have been ‘plunged into deepest grief’.
The MasterChef Australia judge died at the age of 46 on Sunday in Melbourne his family, who said they were ‘completely shattered’.
Tributes have since been pouring in for Zonfrillo from leading figures in the culinary world, including Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.
Lawson has since paid tribute, writing on Twitter: ‘I can’t stop thinking about Jock Zonfrillo’s children, his family.
‘So many are plunged into deepest grief.
‘My heart goes out to them. And I hope their wishes for privacy are respected.’
Zonfrillo, who was confirmed as a judge on MasterChef Australia in 2019, is survived by his third wife Lauren Fried and four children.
He shares two teenage daughters, Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and two children, Alife and Isla, with Lauren.
Lawson’s heartfelt words follow TV chefs Oliver and Ramsay paying tribute on social media.
The Hell’s Kitchen star wrote: ‘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.’
Oliver uploaded a selfie with the late chef on Instagram and expressed his devastation.
‘I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo,’ he penned.
‘We had the best time working together for this years master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him ! 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….’
He continued: ‘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 xxx. Love jamie.’
On Monday, Victoria Police confirmed that Zonfrillo’s death wasn’t being treated as suspicious and said a coroner’s report was being prepared.
In a statement shared with Metro.co.uk, the force said: ‘Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in Carlton.
‘Police attended an address for a welfare check and located a man deceased about 2am on 1 May. The 46-year-old man’s death is not being treated as suspicious.’
Zonfrillo’s family had earlier confirmed his death in a statement that 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.’
They added: ‘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.’
Shortly afterwards, MasterChef Australia, which was supposed to premiere its new season on Monday night, confirmed it would not air this week in the wake of Zonfrillo’s death.
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