Former Premier League Star George Baldock Found Dead in Athens Pool

 

Former Premier League footballer George Baldock has tragically passed away after being found unresponsive in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece. The 31-year-old defender, who recently joined Panathinaikos after a stint at Sheffield United, was believed to have been dead for up to five hours before his body was discovered.

Athens newspaper Kathimerini reported that a post-mortem examination concluded that Baldock's cause of death was drowning. Toxicology tests, including whether alcohol was present in his system, are still pending and are expected to take several days. However, police in Athens have ruled out any criminal activity, including burglary, in relation to his sudden death.

Authorities were alerted when Baldock's partner, who was in the UK, became concerned after he failed to respond to her calls. A spokesperson for Greece’s Hellenic Police confirmed that a forensic pathologist found no evidence of foul play, and police investigations showed no signs of a break-in. Additionally, a team from the Criminal Investigation Directorate examined the house to rule out any potential criminal involvement.

Baldock’s body was discovered by the owner of his luxury property, and emergency services arrived at the scene within nine minutes, but sadly, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. His family, who are said to be in shock, released a statement saying, “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.”

Although born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had represented Greece in 12 international matches, having qualified through his grandmother. He was set to play for Greece against England in a Nations League match but had been sidelined due to injury. In a mark of respect, Greece has requested UEFA's permission for both teams to wear black armbands during the game.

The football community and his former clubs have expressed their condolences, and tributes continue to pour in for the talented player, whose sudden passing has left many in mourning.