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Tributes are pouring in following the shock death of MasterChef judge and chef Jock Zonfrillo, aged 46.

A statement released by the chef's family described him as a "proud Scot" and an "irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend".

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife Lauren Fried and his four children.

READ MORE: Celebrity chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dies

"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," the family said in a statement.

"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 mate, 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."

READ MORE: Australia's wealthiest to be taxed more in bumper budget

Celebrities and colleagues Zonfrillo crossed paths with in the cooking world have led tributes to the late star, describing the news as "devastating".

Superstar chef Jamie Oliver, who appears in this season of MasterChef Australia, said he is in "total shock" at the news.

"Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful," he posted.

"I can't believe I'm writing this…….Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the master chef team and contestants xxx. Love jamie."

"Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing," Gordon Ramsay said.

"I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia.

"Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time." 

https://twitter.com/GordonRamsay/status/1652913279684190208?s=20

Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia, which produces MasterChef, said Zonfrillo was a beloved member of the show and his passing has deeply shocked and saddened all who worked on the show.

MasterChef will not air this week out of respect to Zonfrillo's family.

It's believed filming had wrapped for the season before the host's death.

https://twitter.com/masterchefau/status/1652889590615908353

"Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday," a combined statement from the businesses read.

"Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son.

"Determined and talented and with plenty of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant his formative years were heavily influenced by two strong cultures and it was his obsession with food and desire for a new pushbike that at just 12 years old fuelled Jock to knock on kitchen doors looking for a job.

"Jock's love and passion for food saw him become one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age. From that point onwards there was no holding him back and by 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White.

"Throughout his career he worked with world famous chefs and in restaurants all over the world. His talent saw him shine in the world's most formidable kitchens and he opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide after moving to Australia.

"Jock's Restaurant Orana was recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020 and he also received global accolades, accepting the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018.

"In 2019, Jock was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.

"Jock's charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed."

READ MORE: Car crash leads Queensland police to suspected killer

Beverly McGarvey, executive vice president at Paramount ANZ, said Zonfrillo was an "extraordinary man".

"This is a terribly sad day for Jock's family and friends, his Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia colleagues and for MasterChef fans around Australia and the world," McGarvey said.

"Jock was an extraordinary man. He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged to have had him play such an important and impactful role in MasterChef.

"Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family.

"Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."

Rock legend Jimmy Barnes described Zonfrillo as "like a brother".

https://twitter.com/JimmyBarnes/status/1652899377420312576

Peter Newman, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, said Zonfrillo's passion and energy was infectious on set.

"We are shocked and extremely saddened by the news of Jock's passing. Jock was an incredible talent, not just as a renowned chef, but as someone who could bring joy into the homes of people in Australia and around the world in his role as judge on MasterChef Australia," Newman said.

"On set he was loved by the team and his passion for food and the show was infectious.

"He was also a brilliant champion for the contestants on MasterChef, always wanting the very best for them.

"He will be deeply missed by the entire MasterChef team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Radio hosts Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little also paid tribute to the chef.

https://twitter.com/carrietommyshow/status/1652902780426928129

Hundreds of tributes have also been pouring in from Australia's hospitality scene.

Fellow celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge said: "RIP my friend, hope to have a whisky again one day."

TV presenter and cook Jane de Graaf said Zonfrillo was a "champion of beautiful food".

"Such very sad news. Terrible to lose such a champion of beautiful food and a mentor to so many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues," she said.

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Celebrity chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo has died in Melbourne, aged 46.

Police were called to an address on Lygon Street in Carlton for a welfare check and found him dead about 2am today.

His death is not being treated as suspicious. He is survived by his wife Lauren Fried and his four children.

'EXTRAORDINARY MAN': Grief, shock at chef's sudden death

Zonfrillo's family confirmed his sudden death in a statement, saying they are "devastated" and overwhelmed".

"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," the statement read.

"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 mate, 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."

READ MORE: Boy attacked by shark while snorkelling

MasterChef Australia's latest season was due to start tonight but the show will not air this week, Network 10 has confirmed. 

"Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son," a statement from Network 10 And Endemol Shine Australia said.

"Determined and talented and with plenty of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant his formative years were heavily influenced by two strong cultures and it was his obsession with food and desire for a new pushbike that at just 12 years old fuelled Jock to knock on kitchen doors looking for a job.

"Jock's charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured.

"He will be greatly missed."

https://twitter.com/masterchefau/status/1652889590615908353

Zonfrillo became one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at Scotland's famed The Turnberry Hotel at just 15, and by 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White.

The Scottish presenter joined MasterChef in 2019, hosting alongside chef Melissa Leong and former contestant Andy Allen.

In 2021, he released a memoir titled Last Shot, detailing his years as a heroin addict and his culinary career in London before moving to Australia in 2000.

https://omny.fm/shows/afternoons-with-dee-dee/peter-ford-reacts-to-the-shock-death-of-popular-ma/embed?style=cover

'Rest in peace chef'

Former MasterChef contestants and fellow restaurateurs have expressed their shock at Zonfrillo's sudden death.

Chef Jamie Oliver, who appears in this season of MasterChef Australia, said he is in "total shock" at the news.

"Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful," he posted.

"I can't believe I'm writing this … Sending heartfelt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the MasterChef team and contestants xxx. Love Jamie."

"Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing," superstar chef Gordon Ramsay said.

"I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia.

"Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time." 

"Such a shock! Love to his family. Sleep well my friend. I'm floored!" chef Colin Fassnidge wrote.

"I'm so shocked… rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones," Reynold Poer said.

Minoli De Silva shared: "This is actually devastating and my brain doesn't know how to process this. Such a sad day. Will miss you mate."

Rock legend Jimmy Barnes described Zonfrillo as "like a brother".

https://twitter.com/JimmyBarnes/status/1652899377420312576

TV presenter and cook Jane de Graaf said Zonfrillo was a "champion of beautiful food".

"Such very sad news. Terrible to lose such a champion of beautiful food and a mentor to so many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues," she said.

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A senior police officer has been stabbed while responding to a disturbance in Brisbane's north this morning.

The incident unfolded within a "matter of seconds" after police were called to a Jones Street address in Rothwell about 9.25am.

The male senior constable was allegedly stabbed in the shoulder by a 30-year-old man armed with knife after he attempted to jump into the police vehicle, police say.

READ MORE: Celebrity chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dies

Police used a Taser on the offender, before arresting him.

The 30-year-old was taken to hospital under police guard with a wound to his stomach, in a stable condition.

The officer, who has been in the force for 16 years, was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Police officers on scene provided first aid before paramedics arrived.

READ MORE: Nurse among three locals killed in horror Maryborough crash

Detective Inspector Ben Fadian said the alleged attack unfolded immediately after police showed up.

He said a police vehicle was damaged during the attack.

A crime scene has been established at the property and police are continuing to investigate.

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Steven Tougher has been remembered as compassionate, brave, selfless and hardworking by friends, families and dignitaries in a moving funeral intended to celebrate the slain paramedic's life.

Tougher, who was allegedly stabbed to death while on a break at a McDonald's in Campbelltown in mid-April, was farwelled at the University of Wollongong, south of Sydney today.

During the funeral Tougher was awarded a National Medal of Service and a NSW Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal posthumously.

But Tougher's father revealed his love of helping others started at a very young age – before the paramedic's expecting wife made a vow. 

READ MORE: Celebrity chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dies

"[He gave] handmade first aid kits to families in the street Christmas party, no wonder we could never find a bandaid," Jeff Tougher said in a eulogy written with the help of Steven's mother Jill.

"We also discovered that he had put flyers in peoples mailboxes saying 'if you need first aid call Steven' at the age of about eight.

"His compassion was as big as his heart and his bear hugs were something to be experienced, there's nothing like a Steve hug.

"Since you have been gone, the nights have been long and dark. My heart has been smashed and I ache to hear his voice.

"I miss my little boy."

Tougher's pregnant wife Madison, who is weeks away from welcoming their second child, a daughter, made a vow to her "forever love".

READ MORE: Man breaks Melbourne woman's nose in alleged random attack

"Today I vow that our two beautiful children will always know what a selfless, hardworking, kind, compassionate person you were," she said.

"They will forever understand how their dad was a hero who helped people through the most painful and sickest times.

"Through the many and wonderful stories I will share about their dad, I know I will not be alone in loving you forever."

NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan revealed more than 200 staff from around the state volunteered to cover shifts so Tougher's friends could attend the funeral.

READ MORE: Local nurse among three dead in horror crash

While NSW Premier Chris Minns said his death leaves a number of questions unanswered. 

"Whether we knew him our not, he represents the best of us; selfless, brave and dedicated," he said.

"What kind of dad and husband would Steve have been? How high would he have risen in the ranks of the NSW ambulance service? How many lives would he have saved.

"We will never know."

As Tougher's coffin made its way to its final resting place family, friends, dignitaries and paramedics formed a guard of honour to escort the hearse as NSW Ambulance and NSW Police helicopters flew over the procession.

READ MORE: Millions of jobs to vanish within years

Tougher was just 29 when he died. 

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, has been charged with the paramedic's murder and will reappear in court in June.

Tougher's father has previously called for sterner laws to protect emergency workers.

He is pushing for mandatory life sentences for any emergency service worker killed on the job and mandatory prison terms for anyone assaulted.

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