Former Premier League soccer player George Baldock died by drowning in his own swimming pool, according to the investigation into his death.
Baldock was found dead at his home in Glyfada, Greece, located on the Athens Riviera, in October 2024. He was 31 years old.
A postmortem investigation by the Milton Keynes coroners’ court in England determined there were no drugs or alcohol in Baldock’s system at the time of his death.
The report stated Baldock had “a very large heart that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrhythmias.”
His death was officially ruled an accident, and criminal activity was ruled out.
Baldock’s family issued a statement after the tragic incident.
“George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person,” the statement read. “Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.”
The family continued, “We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.”
Baldock and his fiancée, Annabel Dignam, shared a son, Brody. The soccer star was supposed to fly to the U.K. the day after his death to celebrate his son’s 1st birthday.
Dignam released her own statement after the news of Baldock’s death.
“George, the love of my life, my soulmate,” Dignam wrote, per The Independent. “The perfect Dad to our beautiful boy. You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.”
She continued, “You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality. My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise. I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X.”
Baldock signed with Greece’s Panathinaikos FC in May 2024 after previously playing seven seasons with Sheffield United in the Premier League.
A native of England, Baldock also played for the Greek national team after being deemed eligible to represent them through his grandmother’s heritage.
Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic reflected on Baldock’s impact the day after his death, where a moment of silence was held before a Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium.
“The whole team and everyone has gone through a very difficult 24 hours,” he said. “He was with us in the dressing room, it is something that shouldn’t happen. In such moments, football isn’t important. He left his mark with us with the way the players played with him on the pitch today.”
