Baldock’s family and clubs mourn his death
As authorities on Thursday were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Panathinaikos and Greece soccer player George Baldock, his family released a statement confirming his passing and requesting privacy.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask that the media please respect our privacy at this time,” the statement read.
Panathinaikos changed the colors of its official website from green to black in mourning. “We are shocked and appalled by the loss of our George. The Panathinaikos family mourns his sudden death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock,” the club’s statement read.
Baldock’s former club, Sheffield United, as well as the Greek Soccer Federation, also released statements expressing their condolences to his family.
Players on Greece’s national team, which faces England at Wembley on Thursday, are expected to wear black armbands.
The body of 31-year-old British-born Baldock was found on Wednesday in a swimming pool at his home in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada, police sources said.
The cause of death remains unknown, though Kathimerini understands that there are signs indicating that the 31-year-old may have drowned at least five hours before his body was found. An official report is expected from the coroner examining his body.
Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the former Premier League player but could not revive him, a police official said.
The time of death was put at 10 p.m.
Baldock, who was of Greek ancestry and was capped 12 times for the country, joined Panathinaikos in May from Sheffield United after the English side were relegated from the top flight. [Combined reports/Reuters]
