Gogglebox star George Gilbey's cause of death after workplace incident

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George Gilbey pictured with his mum Linda -Credit:Instagram


Gogglebox star George Gilbey - who appeared on the Channel 4 show and Celebrity Big Brother - died at the age of 40 on March 27 following a workplace incident. The self-employed electrician fell through a skylight while working on a roof in Shoeburyness, Essex, on March 27 and died from traumatic head and torso injuries, reports the Mirror.

A short inquest hearing in Chelmsford was told Gilbey fell through a skylight while working on a roof. A post-mortem examination found his injuries were "consistent with a fall from height," Essex coroner's court heard.

Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said he would adjourn proceedings for four months at the request of Essex Police. "[Gilbey] was working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight and landed on the ground below," coroner's officer Deborah Frost told the hearing.

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At the time of his tragic passing, Essex Police released an initial statement which read: "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 Health and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene." George, who welcomed a daughter named Amelie with Gemma Conway in 2016, was a well-loved figure from his time on the sofa with his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

George quickly became a fan favourite after joining the Channel 4 show Gogglebox during its second series in 2013. The Essex family were removed from the programme in 2014, but later that year, George entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, charming viewers and making it to the final.

In 2016, to the joy of fans, George made a comeback to Gogglebox with Linda and Pete. He departed from Gogglebox in 2018, although Linda and Pete remained until 2020.

Following the unexpected news of George's passing, Gogglebox posted a heartfelt tribute online, stating: "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."

George's untimely death occurred just two years after the sudden passing of his stepfather Pete in 2021, who was 71. Pete died mere days after receiving a six-month prognosis following a bowel cancer diagnosis.

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George Gilbey -Credit:Instagram

Linda shared that her son was deeply affected by his stepfather's death. Earlier this month, Essex Police confirmed that a man in his 40s, arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter related to George's death, has been released pending further investigation.

The police force issued a statement at the time: "As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury, on Wednesday, March 27, a man aged in his 40s from the Witham area was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. He has now been released under investigation. This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our enquiries are ongoing."

George will be laid to rest later this month, following an influx of donations towards his funeral costs. A GoFundMe page was established following the news of his death, and it has since surpassed its £5,000 goal. As of now, the fundraising page has received £6,651 in donations, which will assist his mother Linda McGarry, 74, with the expenses of George's funeral.

On 29 March, the page was initiated by Rob Barlow, a purported friend of the family. In the summary of the fundraiser, he penned: "As a friend of the family, I have been asked on behalf of Linda, George's mum, to set up this GoFundMe page so we can give George the send off he deserves."

He continued: "I know his passing has come to a shock for a lot of people, he was such a big character in life and is going to be sorely missed by friends, family and all who knew him. I think I can safely say we all enjoyed watching him on GoggleBox, Big Brother and all his other TV appearances."

Rob further proposed that contributions would be used towards George's funeral and that any funds remaining would go to Amelie, George's 8 year old daughter. He additionally shared gratitude upfront for any contributions, expressing: "Anything you can donate would be a great help to the family so thank you in advance, all money will go to Linda to pay for his funeral costs and any funds that are left over after will be given to George's [daughter] Amelie."