Hundreds gather for funeral of ‘funny and kind’ Gogglebox star George Gilbey who fell to his death in workplace tragedy
GOGGLEBOX star George Gilbey’s funeral took place today in a private ceremony near his home.
The telly favourite was laid to rest after an emotional service and committal at a crematorium close to Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
Family and friends of the star gathered to pay their final respects to George, 40, who tragically died after falling through a skylight on a warehouse roof in a workplace accident last month.
And pals of George – who also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother – held a wake in his memory, toasting his eventful life.
He has gone far too soon, but despite everything people tried their best to celebrate his life
A source close to the family
A source said: “George has been laid to rest and his family have said their last goodbyes.
“It was a terribly sad day and devastating for everyone concerned, particularly his mother Linda who was in bits.
“George also has a daughter and it was terrible for her as well as his ex-partner.
“He has gone far too soon, but despite everything people tried their best to celebrate his life.”
Hundreds of mourners marked the sombre occasion dressed in black as they attended the heartbreaking service.
The hearse arrived, donned with different shaped flower wreaths and pictures of George, as friends and family paid their respects.
A picture of the TV star during his time on Gogglebox was laid alongside other tributes.
Touching messages were left with claret and blue flowers, as well as West Ham United badges, in honour of the team George supported.
“We will never forget you,” and “Forever in our hearts”, were just some of the tributes left in his memory.
Another snap of the dad-of-one appeared on the back of a black Range Rover with the words: “Keep it moving.”
A heart-wrenching order of service displayed photographs of George as a young boy as well as snaps with loved ones.
Later pics showed the 40-year-old as a loving dad with his daughter Amelie.
We told on Monday how a coroner’s court had heard that George died from “traumatic injuries to the head and torso” in the warehouse plunge on March 27.
An inquest into his death was opened – but suspended as police and the Health and Safety Executive are probing the tragedy.
The opening hearing was told that George “fell through a plastic skylight landing on the ground below”.
Coroners Officer Deborah Frost added: “Police attended, along with the air ambulance but sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A provisional cause of death is traumatic injury to the head and torso consistent with a fall from height.”
TRAGEDY PROBE
Well-wishers have raised £7,000 for George’s funeral via a Go Fund Me page, with any left-over cash going to his daughter Amelie, seven.
After Dad of one George’s death, a man in his forties was arrested on suspicion of “gross negligence manslaughter”.
He has been released under investigation.
After the tragedy, Essex Police – investigating alongside the Health and Safety Executive – said a man had “fallen from height” at the EGL Homecare warehouse in Shoebury.
George devastated mother Linda McGarry – who starred on Gogglebox with him – was also devastated by the death of her partner Peter, aged 71, in 2021.
George had a daughter Amelie, seven, through his ex-girlfriend Gemma Conway.
GOGGLEBOX STAR
George quickly won the hearts of viewers as he shot to fame on the third series of reality smash Gogglebox in 2013.
He, Mum Linda and stepdad Peter often stole the show as they were seen watching TV and laughing and joking together on their sofa.
George became famed for his quickfire wit and high-pitched voice with his comment often leaving his parents – and viewers – in stitches.
TV execs were quick to spot his appeal – leading to George’s appearance on Celebrity Big Brother the following year.
George reached the final of the series – won by US star Gary Busey – finishing fourth.
The following year, he met Gemma at Ascot races and got together before having daughter Amelie in 2016.
The star and his parents returned to Gogglebox in 2016 before leaving again in 2018.