Gogglebox star George Gilbey's cause of death confirmed: He died of 'traumatic injury' after 80ft fall

George Gilbey was best known for his appearances on Gogglebox, alongside his mum Linda and stepfather Pete. Gilbey was also on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, and it was one of his co-stars who first shared the horrible news of his passing last month.

TV personality Ricci Guarnaccio, who was on the show alongside Gilbey, took to X to pay tribute to his friend. It has come to light that Gilbey died in a work accident where he fell from the roof of a building. Here’s everything you need to know.

Reactions to George Gilbey’s death

Guarnaccio took to X on Wednesday 27 March to post:

Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truely [sic] going to be missed my friend.

He went on: ‘Always lit up the room, cared for others & 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 ma boiii! Love you GG.’

This sparked a huge reaction online, and the TV celeb went on to explain that Gilbey had died in a ‘workplace accident’.

There was an outpouring of support online for the star. One X user, @ChrisToop14, posted:

R I P, I saw the air ambulance landing from my apartment and whoever needs that then it’s major, thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Another, @gillymc45, wrote:

Lovely family …so endearing and full of fun …poor Linda...rest peacefully George x

The accident

The information surrounding the circumstances of Gilbey’s death were limited when it first happened. A spokesperson for Essex Police spoke about an accident, explaining that a man - who he didn't name - had fallen from a height:

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.

Despite ambulance and air ambulance attendance, ‘the man died at the scene’. The police announced they were ‘liaising’ with the relevant parties to get a better understanding of what happened.

Channel 4 released a statement that confirmed Gilbey’s passing. His step father Pete died aged 71 in 2021, so the channel’s condolences were addressed to Gilbey’s mother:

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.

The news of his death came soon after Blade Runner and Knives Out actor M Emmet Walsh's passing earlier in March.

Since the initial reports broke, more information about his death were made public on 22 April 2024.

Coroner's officer Deborah Frost revealed that Gilbey had been 'working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight, landing on the ground below'. His cause of death was provisionally recorded as 'traumatic injury to head and torso consistent with fall from height'. Gilbey had been working at the EGL Homecare site in Essex, and fell from approximately 80ft.

A man was arrested then released

A man in his 40s was arrested for 'gross negligence manslaughter' in connection with the accident. A police spokesperson explained:

As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury on Wednesday 27 March, we have arrested a man in their 40s from the Witham area on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

However, it has since come to light that the man has been released.

Read more:

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⋙ Steve Wright: Iconic BBC Radio DJ dies aged 69

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Sources used:

DailyMail: Pictured: Scene where Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star George Gilbey, 40, fell to his death in 'work accident' with images showing building materials on 35ft warehouse's roof - as probe is launched and heartbroken friends pay tribute

Independent: George Gilbey, Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star, dies aged 40

Express: Police arrest man over death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

Express: Gogglebox's George Gilbey died from ‘traumatic’ injuries after falling 80ft, inquest hears