Gogglebox star George Gilbey laid to rest in funeral attended by hundreds after his tragic death
The emotional funeral of George Gilbey, the beloved Gogglebox star, was attended by hundreds today as his friends and family were finally able to say their goodbyes.
George, who also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, tragically passed away at the age of 40 on March 27 following a workplace incident. The much-loved TV personality was remembered in an emotional service and committal at a crematorium near his home in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, after the inquest into his death was concluded.
Following the service, a wake was held in his memory where friends gathered to toast his life. The Order Of Service for the funeral was filled with photos spanning decades, including an image of George entering the Big Brother house, which graced the cover of the celebration of his life. The poignant poem Afterglow was read out during the heart-wrenching service.
"George has been laid to rest and his family have said their last goodbyes, it was a terribly sad day and devastating for everyone concerned, particularly his mother Linda who was in bits," a source told The Sun.
Tragedy struck as George, known for his charming presence on Gogglebox, suffered fatal injuries after a horrific fall, an inquest has heard. The self-employed electrician was working in Shoeburyness, Essex, when the accident occurred on March 27.
During a brief inquest at Chelmsford, it emerged he had plummeted through a skylight while on a roof. The post-mortem indicated his injuries were "consistent with a fall from height," according to the Essex coroner's court.
The inquest, presided over by Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes, has been put on hold for four months upon request by Essex Police. Deborah Frost, a coroner's officer, detailed the incident: "[Gilbey] was working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight and landed on the ground below,".
In the wake of the heartbreaking event, Essex Police had stated: "We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury. The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance."
"Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene."
George, who leaves behind his daughter Amelie, whom he shared with his ex-partner, Gemma Conway, won hearts across the nation alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete on the beloved show, Gogglebox.
George rose to fame on the second series of the show back in 2013 before leaving in 2014, however, in the same year he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother making it all the way to the finale. The much-loved telly star briefly returned to the popular Channel 4 show alongside his parents in 2016.
Despite George leaving Gogglebox for good in 2018, his mum Linda and step-dad Pete continued to be regular fixtures up until 2020. Upon hearing the heartbreaking news of George's death, Gogglebox paid their respects with a social media tribute saying: "George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George's family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy."
