Star soccer player George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada on Wednesday, police said. He was only 31 years old.
Police performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive the former Premier League player, but despite their best efforts they were unable to revive him, officials said. Reuters. Mr Baldock's time of death was listed as 10pm, but the coroner's initial findings suggest he died by drowning. BBCHowever, Baldock's official cause of death has not yet been reported. Police are denying the possibility of criminal activity at this time.
Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player George Baldock.
The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates. 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. Sports stadiums across the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, with fans banned from venues due to government social distancing laws, and matches will be played behind closed doors. (Photo credit: James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
The former Sheffield United defender was a much-loved star who joined Greek side Panathinaikos in May after seven years with the Blades.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away,” Baldock's family said in a statement shortly after his death, according to the BBC.
“As a family, we are shocked by this terrible loss,” they said.
Panathinaikos also issued a statement obtained by the newspaper. “We are devastated by the loss of George. Panathinaikos' family mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock,” the group said. said.
It's one of George Baldock's greatest hits in a Sheffield United shirt, but there's more to it than just what a great man he was. pic.twitter.com/Z9iNVjeDXs
— Jack (@jkanalys7) October 9, 2024
On behalf of European football, 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 will be paid to former Sheffield United player George Baldock on October 10, 2024 in Sheffield, England. The England-born Greece international was found dead in his swimming pool in Glyfada, south of Athens. Baldock was currently playing for Greek club Panathinaikos. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sheffield United released a statement: “The heartfelt condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United go to George's family and friends.''
Baldock made 12 appearances for Greece, his last appearance being against Georgia in March 2024. (Related: Nell Smith, an up-and-coming teenage musician who collaborated with famous bands, dies suddenly, friends say)
The Greek football community is reeling from the news of this tragedy. News of Baldock's sudden death has plunged the nation into a state of grief as fans and loved ones pay tribute to his incredible talent and the legacy he left behind.
