Masterchef’s Jock Zonfrillo is survived by his wife and four children
"Enjoy each moment you can cuddle or touch your little one."
Jock Zonfrillo has passed away, aged 46. He was most well-known for his role as a judge on MasterChef Australia.
Away from the television cameras, Jock was a loving family man. He was adored by his wife, Lauren Fried and his four children.
Jock married Lauren on New Year’s Day 2017. The couple shared two children together, six-year-old Alfie, and two-year-old daughter Isla.
Jock is also survived by two teenage daughters, Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages.
Jock married Lauren Fried on New Year’s Day 2017.
A statement announcing his death was shared via his Instagram reading: “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 mater, 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.”
It has since been revealed that the chef had battled bowel cancer for the past two years and his wife called the police for a welfare check when he failed to respond to their scheduled family calls. Concerns that drugs may have re-entered the dad-of-four’s life have been dismissed and he was alone when police found him, reports claim.
While he eventually found love with Lauren, Jock was the first to admit that his previous drug use, combined with the antisocial hours and hospitality industry’s intense culture, had a significant impact on his personal relationships.
“After having made a lot of mistakes in my first two marriages, and I’ve got these amazing children in my family from those two marriages, and my third wife Loz, we became just an instant family,” he told WHO.
Jock leaves behind his wife, Lauren and their two children, Alfie and Isla.
In 2020, the father-of-four penned a lengthy essay which gives an insight into what it was like seeing his boy, Alfie born two months prematurely.
Alongside a black-and-white picture of tiny Alfie inside his incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit, Jock wrote:
“Our little Alfie was born two months early, weighed 1.2kgs, and spent the first 5 weeks of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). He’s now a happy healthy little boy, just the same as most other 2.5 year olds. Those very difficult weeks sometimes feel like a lifetime ago, and on days like today feel very vivid to us,” he shared.
Jock’s son Alfie was born two months premature and weighed only 1.2 kilograms.
Jock offered sage advice for others who may be struggling.
“If you know any families who have lost their little ones through prematurity or stillborn, for those who are in NICU now, living with the impact of prematurity, or are lucky enough to have their healthy bub at home with them, reach out to them today,” he said.
Then, passing on some of the advice he and his wife, Lauren Fried received while Alfie was in NICU, from other parents and midwives and some they picked up themselves, Jock wrote:
“Take one day at a time, don’t look too far in front or worry about the future, just enjoy each moment you can cuddle or touch your little one.
“There’s no need to feel guilty if you’re not by their bed 24/7. Life keeps moving forward and sometimes you just need a night on the couch at home or to sleep in, that’s ok.
“Try not to ask the Dr when your little one is going home, the answer always seems so far away and uncertain.
“Invite friends and family in to see your little one (if allowed). People tend to stay away and you can feel isolated and like there’s no celebration or joy around your bub.
“You have no choice but to be in NICU which is filled with unwell babies, your friends/family may not be able to handle this and their choice to not visit should be respected.
“Stay strong between the two of you – it’s ok to talk and dream about your little one’s life even if you’re not 100% certain that it will be possible.”
Jock with son, Alfie in 2022.
Jock finished his essay with a simple wish:
“And be kind to the midwives, they’re literally keeping your little one alive.”
What is World Prematurity Day?
World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.
Please remember to drink responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
