MasterChef Australia’s Jock Zonfrillo joins tragic club of superstar chefs who died too young

MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, 46, has joined a list of superstar chefs who have died too young, including Anthony Bourdain, Justin Bull and Jeremy Strode.

Zonfrillo’s body was found by police at about 2 a.m. Monday, after they had been called to an address on Lygon Street in Carlton, north Melbourne, for a welfare check.

The Scot’s family made the sad announcement on Instagram Monday afternoon – about 12 hours after officers made the shocking discovery.

“With hearts completely shattered and with no way of knowing how to go through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock has passed away,” the statement read.

“For those who crossed his path, became his mate or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scotsman in your heart when you have your next whisky.”

A cause of death has not been disclosed, but Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia the situation is not being treated as suspicious.

American chef, TV star and author Anthony Bourdain (pictured) took his own life in a French hotel room in 2018. He was 61

Zonfrillo’s death brings to mind many of his culinary peers from around the world, such as Bourdain, Justin Bull, Jeremy Strode and Darren Simpson.

All took their own lives or died due to addiction.

In 2018, American chef, TV star and author Anthony Bourdain, 61, ended his life in a French hotel room while working on his CNN series Parts Unknown.

It was later revealed that Bourdain struggled with fame and heartbreak in the days leading up to his death.

He and Zonfrillo were both former heroin addicts who opened up about their struggles in memoirs, published long after they kicked their habit.

In 2017, Sydney-based chef Jeremy Strode took his own life at the age of 53.

Strode has worked in the kitchens of Sydney and Melbourne’s finest restaurants for over 25 years, holding annual dinners to raise funds for the ‘RU OK?’ mental health charity.

Justin Bull, 46, was a chef who was found dead in 2019 at his cafe in Bronte, Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

He had served as personal chef for actor Russell Crowe and billionaire casino mogul James Packer, but opened up about his struggles with depression in his final years.

Sydney chef Justin Bull (pictured) took his own life in 2019. He struggled with depression

Sydney chef Jeremy Strode (pictured) took his own life at the age of 53

Darren Simpson used to appear on Channel 10’s ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’. He was 39 when he passed away in 2017 after a long battle with addiction

Darren Simpson, a regular on Channel 10’s ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’, was 39 when he died in 2017 after a long battle with alcohol and addiction.

The Sydney chef suffered a heart attack shortly after leaving a rehabilitation centre.

Following the news of Zonfrillo’s death on Monday afternoon, tributes from celebrities and culinary worlds flooded social media.

Fellow chef and TV personality Colin Fassnidge told Daily Mail Australia: ‘It’s so shocking. I’m sitting on a rock right now trying to take it in, I don’t know what to say. I’m floored.

“I had to call my wife as soon as I heard.”

Studio 10 host Narelda Jacobs wrote on Instagram, “I hold Jock’s family close to my heart and am thinking of those close to him at this saddest time.

Pictured: Zonfrillo with fellow MasterChef judges Andy Allen and Melissa Leong at the AACTA Awards on Dec. 7

“He touched so many of us.”

MasterChef contestant Reynold Poernomo said, “I’m so shocked. Rest in peace, chef. My heart and condolences [your] loved ones.’

Fellow franchise alum Khanh Ong added, “I’m so sorry. My condolences.’

Zonfrillo’s colleagues at MasterChef seemed unaware that he had passed away at 11:30 a.m. Monday, when his MasterChef co-host Melissa Leong posted a countdown to the premiere on her Instagram account.

He is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children Ava, Sophia, Alfie, and Isla.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

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