Soccer star George Baldock was found dead Wednesday in his swimming pool in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada, police said. He was just 31 years old.
Police performed CPR in an attempt to resuscitate the former Premier League player, but in spite of their best efforts they were unable to revive him, an official told Reuters. Baldock’s time of death was listed as 10 p.m. Initial coroner’s findings suggest he died by drowning, according to BBC, but Baldock’s official cause of death has yet to be reported. Police have ruled out foul play at this time.
Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a… pic.twitter.com/OlDsn0lFpB
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 9, 2024
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: George Baldock of Sheffield United during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on March 21, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
The former Sheffield United defender was a beloved star that joined Greece’s Panathinaikos back in May after seven years with the Blades, or Sheffield United.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away,” Baldock’s family said in a statement issued shortly after his death, according to BBC.
“As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss,” they said.
Panathinaikos also released a statement obtained by the outlet. “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock,” the organization said.
One of George Baldock’s best hits in a Sheffield United shirt, but not just that, look at how big of a character he was. pic.twitter.com/Z9iNVjeDXs
— Jack (@jkanalysis7) October 9, 2024
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and teammates. pic.twitter.com/78zJwDjBIP
— UEFA (@UEFA) October 10, 2024
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 10: Tributes are laid for ex-Sheffield United player George Baldock on October 10, 2024 in Sheffield, England. The England-born Greece international was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, southern Athens. Baldock was currently playing for Greek club Panathinaikos. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sheffield United issued a statement saying, “The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock played 12 games on behalf of Greece, and he last played in March 2024 against Georgia. (RELATED: Rising Teenage Musician Nell Smith, Who Collaborated With Famous Band Dies Suddenly, Friend Says)
Greek’s soccer community is reeling after hearing news of this tragedy. The news of Baldock’s sudden death has left the country in a state of mourning, as fans and loved ones pay tribute to his incredible talents, and the legacy he left behind.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
