DEATH SHOCK
Cops release statement on George Gilbey’s tragic death & confirm Gogglebox star’s workplace accident
Cops are working with the Health and Safety Executive
ESSEX Police and Channel 4 have released a statement following 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.
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Essex Police 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.
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"A cordon remains in place at the scene."
The police cordon remains in place at the EGL Homecare site, which he is believed to have fatally fallen from.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 added: "George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
'George was a really nice bloke'
By DANIEL HAMMOND
A DISTRAUGHT neighbour revealed she broke down in tears when she learned that George had died yesterday.
Mum Sharon Howell, 63, said the “selfless” Gogglebox star was just like the well-loved man that he appeared on TV.
She told The Sun: “George was a really nice bloke, he said to be if there’s anything you need I can help you.
“He would always say ‘oh hello, how are you doing? Do you need a hand with anything?’
“Most people keep themselves to themselves here. George lived with his mum. He was well liked and a popular man, it’s so terrible what happened, a real shock.
“He was so friendly, just like he appeared on TV.
“My mate text and asked if I’d heard about his death. I was shocked that I started crying. It’s so terrible, he was 40, that’s no age.
“I feel so sorry for his mum and the kids, they’ll be without him now.”
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.
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"The family have asked for privacy.”
George's mum has been left "in bits" over her son's tragic death, say his pals.
Linda's husband and George's stepdad Pete also 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.
George was George. He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family
close pal
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.
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".
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
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."
George Gilbey’s mum ‘in bits’
By THOMAS GODFREY and GEORGIE ENGLISH
ONE of George's close pals told The Sun that his beloved mum, Linda McGarry, has been left devastated over her son's untimely passing.
They said: "This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
"She is incredibly emotional.
"George was like her little treasure."
"First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.
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."
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."
Danniella Westbrook also shared a sweet snap of George and his mum to her Instagram.
She wrote: "Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George.
"I'm absolutely gutted xxx."
TV star Ricci Guarnaccio, best known for his time on Geordie Shore, also paid tribute to George.
Tragic last photo of Gogglebox star
By JANE MATTHEWS
GEORGE Gilbey was snapped smiling just days before his tragic death this morning.
Just five days ago the star proudly posted the photo to social media.
In the snap the star donned a black hoodie and appeared to have been out exercising.
He captioned the photo, which sat alongside a pic of a gym card: "Done. Full membership."
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."
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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.”
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