The death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey was announced on Wednesday night (March 27), with an update from police issued on Thursday afternoon.
George, who was aged 40 at the time of his death, “fell from height” while at work at a warehouse.
He shot to fame alongside mum Linda McGarry and stepdad Pete when they joined the cast of Gogglebox in 2013. They family were axed from the show when George entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014. However, they did make a return to the Channel 4 show in 2016.
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Gogglebox star George Gilbey: Death probed
News of George’s death first started to surface at around 6pm on Wednesday. It soon emerged that he had died after an accident at the EGL Homecare warehouse in Shoebury, Essex.
The incident happened at around 10am, with the ambulance service called to the scene.
Essex Police said in a statement: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), 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.”
The statement added that an investigation into his death is still underway.
“We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
Pictures of the site show a large blue cherry picker leading up to the roof of the 35ft building where scaffolding poles and other building materials are lined up, while two police cars are visible.
Police arrest man on ‘suspicion of gross negligence’
On Thursday afternoon, it was revealed that a man has been arrested in connection with George’s death.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury on Wednesday 27 March, we have arrested a man in their 40s from the Witham area on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
“This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our enquiries are ongoing.”
George Gilbey’s last words
According to a friend, George was “was not very steady on his feet” whilst working.
They told The Sun: “George had not been in a good way and maybe should not have been working at all. He was up on the roof and the others were shouting at him to get down and to be careful.
“He was shouting back that he was all right, even though he was not very steady on his feet. Then, he apparently came through a skylight so fell from the outside of the roof about 80ft on to concrete inside. Poor George did not stand a chance and it is a terrible way to go.”
Mum Linda ‘heartbroken’
George’s mum Linda McGarry is yet to make an official statement. However, it’s said that she is “incredibly emotional” over the death of her son. Her husband Pete McGarry died two years ago after a bowel cancer diagnosis.
The family have asked for privacy.
A source told The Sun: “First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.”
Gogglebox issue statement
A spokesperson for Channel 4 show Gogglebox has made a statement following the death of George Gilbey.
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.”
Tributes pour in
TV star Ricci Guarnaccio, best known for his time on Geordie Shore, was one of the first to offer his condolences.
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 forever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you my boy. Love you GG.”
Danniella Westbrook also shared a tribute. She wrote: “Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted xxx.”
Ben Ofoedu also posted on social media. He said: “This one hurts!! Spent a lot time with you bro. Such a lovely soul.”
Gogglebox star George Gilbey: Last picture
Days before his death, George posted a smiling selfie on his Instagram Stories.
He wore a black hoodie and appeared, according to earlier posts, to have been on his way back from the gym.
Read more: Gogglebox deaths – paying tribute to the cast and crew we’ve loved and lost
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