Cops release statement on George Gilbey’s tragic death & confirm Gogglebox star’s workplace accident
ESSEX Police and Channel 4 have released a statement after the sudden death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey.
Cops say the beloved TV personality died earlier this morning after falling from a height in Shoebury.
An Essex Police statement said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance.
“Sadly, the man died at the scene.
“We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive.
“A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
The statement came shortly before Channel 4 paid tribute to George, and sent their condolences to his family.
A spokesperson said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“The family have asked for privacy.”
George’s mum has been left “in bits” over her son’s tragic death, say his pals.
One of them told The Sun: “This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
“First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.
“She is incredibly emotional.
Linda’s husband Pete died suddenly in 2021 at the age of 71 from bowel cancer.
He passed away days after being told he had six months left to live.
Linda said her son had been left “really cut up” at the time.
She said: “Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years.
“I said to him, ‘We’ve not only been 25 years, it’s been day and night with each other’. He was my life.”
A group of the star’s closest friends were said to have met in a pub in Clacton-on-Sea tonight – where George lived – to celebrate his life over a drink.
One of his pals continued: “George was George. He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family.
“He was a bit of a party lad, but he was good entertainment for everyone who knew him.
“Nobody deserves this to happen so young – 40 is no age and to die at work is horrific.
“He had started going to the gym in the evenings and working very hard to do well for his family.
It comes as…
- George Gilbey dead at 40
- Star’s tragic final photo revealed
- Channel 4 say star was ‘part of family‘
- Cops confirm his death
- Tributes pour in for George from celebs
- Star’s mum Linda ‘in bits’ over death
He, his mum Linda and step-dad Pete McGarry were a fan-favourite when they joined in the second series back in 2013.
The Essex family were axed from the show in 2014 – but George stepped into the Celebrity Big Brother house the same year.
George was much loved on CBB and made it all the way to the final impressing viewers.
Tributes are pouring in for the star online, hailing him “one in a million”.
One pal wrote: “Absolutely speechless. Rest in eternal peace George James Gilbey.
“Thinking of all your family – life’s really is cruel and tomorrow is never promised.”
Another said: “Wish this wasn’t true. Gonna miss you George James Gilbey – you were a one in a million. Fly high mate.”
One heartbroken friend said: “Can’t believe what I’m reading.
“You were the happiest, the life of the party and such a big part of the HTA family. You will be very missed, RIP George.”
TV star Ricci Guarnaccio, best known for his time on Geordie Shore, also paid tribute to George.
He wrote: “Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truly going to be missed my friend.
“Always lit up the room, cared for others and the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you my boy.
“Love you GG.”
As a spokesperson for Gogglebox – where George first hit our screens – released a statement.
It said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”