The body of 31-year-old Panathinaikos football player George Baldock was found on Wednesday night in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada suburb of southern Athens. The cause of Baldock’s death has not yet been disclosed, however, police appears to have exclude crime, Greek media reported on Thursday. So far, the death is attributed to pathological causes.
Baldock was a former Sheffield United player who joined Panathinaikos FC this season through a 3-year contract to play in the Super League.
According to state broadcaster ERT, Baldock’s wife, unable to reach him from England, sought help from the property owner, who then discovered the body in the swimming pool.
An ambulance and police rushed to the scene, however, it was too late. Media suggest that Baldock had died around 10 p.m. and his body was in the water for around five hours.
Police investigation into the cause of death is currently underway. According to Skai TV, police are reviewing footage from video cameras positioned around the property. It appears that the player was home alone, and therefore, foul play is not suspected.
An autopsy will be conducted, results of histological and toxicological tests should be due in a few weeks.
A Threads post appears to share news from his family confirming his death and asking the media to respect the family’s privacy at this time.
Τhe news of the tragic and untimely of George Baldock reverberates throughout the global football community, it has led to an outpouring of condolences and expressions of shock on social media.
Messages of support and condolences are pouring in from Greek teams and his former club in England, while his family released a statement about his death.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time,” the statement read.
Είμαστε συγκλονισμένοι, είμαστε σοκαρισμένοι από την απώλεια του George μας. Η οικογένεια του Παναθηναϊκού θρηνεί για τον αδόκητο χαμό του. Στεκόμαστε στο πλευρό της οικογένειας και των οικείων του George Baldock. pic.twitter.com/7TO6tbi5zk
— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) October 9, 2024
Panathinaikos FC, the club he was playing for, released the following statement: “We are devastated and shocked by the loss of our George. The Panathinaikos family mourns the unfortunate passing of George Baldock. We stand by his family and loved ones.”
In its official statement, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) wrote: “With profound sadness and grief, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock. This moment calls for silence. Our deepest condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Farewell…”
Olympiacos FC stated on its official Instagram account: “The Olympiacos family shares in the mourning for George Baldock. Courage and strength to his loved ones.” Balcdock had played in last week’s match against the Reds.
AEK FC also expressed its condolences in a message on social media: “The football family of AEK expresses its deep sorrow for the loss of the player of our national team and Panathinaikos, George Baldock, and sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.” A similar message was shared by Asteras Tripolis.
His former club Sheffield United, with whom he had made 219 appearances over seven years, also released a statement in his death:
“Sheffield United is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of its former player, George Baldock. The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff, and his teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him. The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
The English Football Federation and the English national team also extended condolences for George Baldock’s passing.
sources: several Greek media
