It’s been a little over a month since MasterChef Australia 2023 judge Jock Zonfrillo was confirmed dead at the age of 46. It’s a tragedy that has been felt by all, and now, his wife Lauren Fried has made her first statement, in a video posted to Zonfrillo’s Instagram.
“It’s been a month now since we lost Jock, and I put a line in the sand thinking that at the one month mark, I would turn some sort of a corner,” Fried said.
“That hasn’t happened, and there’s no time that I could allocate to say thank you to everyone.”
View this post on Instagram
Fried went onto say that her family has been overwhelmed with the support they’ve received. She also said that she wished that Zonfrillo was still here.
“I really wish he knew how loved he was and he knew the impact that he had on so many people,” she said.
Jock Zonfrillo: What Happens Next
In the video, Fried said that she wasn’t sure what the future of Jock Zonfrillo’s Instagram would hold. Currently, she doesn’t know if she will continue posting content, or leave it frozen in time.
“Jock and I worked really hard on his social media, and so I have to try and make a decision whether we keep it going,” she said.
“He had lots of projects he was working on, a lot that he finished, and I just don’t know what’s appropriate or what you guys want to see on here.
“He’s got a lot of behind-the-scenes interviews and photos from MasterChef. He’s got books, a fashion range,” she explained.
Fried continued: “He’s got spirits ageing in a distillery in Tassie. He’s got a TV show he filmed in Italy last year with the family, and so as I am pondering what’s appropriate.”
Fried said that at a later date, she might let Zonfrillo’s fans help decide the fate of his Instagram by running a poll. In this poll, Zonfrillo’s fans will be able to vote on what content, if any, they want to see on his page.
Jock Zonfrillo Dead at 46: The Original Announcement
The news of Jock Zonfrillo’s death broke just hours before MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises was set to premiere. In a statement released on May 1, Network Ten, MasterChef Australia production company Endemol Shine, and Zonfrillo’s family confirmed the news in a joint statement.
“It is with deep sadness and shock, that we confirm the passing of Jock Zonfrillo,” a statement from Ten began.
“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,” it continued.
“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.”
Sky News later reported that the father-of-four was found dead in a Melbourne hotel on Lygon Street, after police were called to conduct a welfare check.
Jock Zonfrillo’s Family Statement
Along with Network Ten and Endemol Shine, the Zonfrillo family’s joint statement read:
“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.”
Jock Zonfrillo: Additional Facts
Jock Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and quickly developed a love for food. By the age of 17, he was working alongside the famed chef Marco Pierre White.
He then joined MasterChef Australia as a judge in 2019.
Zonfrillo is survived by his wife and four children.
He had two adult daughters, Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages. He also shared son Alfie and daughter Isla with Fried.
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.