Gogglebox's George Gilbey died from traumatic injuries after falling through skylight, inquest told

Gogglebox's George Gilbey died from traumatic injuries after falling through skylight, inquest told

WATCH NOW: George Gilbey appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014

Channel 5
Holly Bishop

By Holly Bishop


Published: 22/04/2024

- 11:21

Updated: 22/04/2024

- 12:06

Gilbey, 40, was a self-employed electrician

Googlebox star George Gilbey died after he fell through a roof whilst installing a skylight, an inquest has been told.

Gilbey, 40, a self-employed electrician, suffered from traumatic head and torso injuries on March 27 at EGL Homecare in Shoeburyness, Essex,


The inquest was opened earlier today and later suspended after a request from Essex Police, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes approved the request and said it would be reviewed in four months.

George GilbeyThe former Gogglebox star died whilst working on a roofGetty

A man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter relating to the Gogglebox star's death.

The suspect, in his 40s, has since been released under investigation.

A post-mortem examination found his injuries were "consistent with a fall from height," Essex coroner's court heard.

"[Gilbey] was working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight and landed on the ground below," coroner's officer Deborah Frost told the hearing.

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The Essex-born reality TV star rose to fame when he and his parents made their debut in the second series of Gogglebox in 2013.

The family left the television-based show when Gilbey signed up to take part in the 2014 Celebrity Big Brother series on Channel 5.

His mother, Linda, and late father Pete joined the show again in 2016. The latter died of cancer in 2021.

Channel 4 Gogglebox wrote on social media that its "thoughts and deepest condolences" were with Gilbey's loved ones following his death.

Tributes from far and wide have flooded in for the Channel 4 star in the day since his death was announced.

Mourners also laid flowers outside EGL Homecare in Shoeburyness, Essex where the incident occurred.

Flowers outside EGL Homecare in Shoeburyness, Essex

Flowers outside EGL Homecare in Shoeburyness, Essex, where the incident occured

PA

Almost a week on from Gilbey's death, his mum spoke to local publication the Thurrock Gazette about her loss.

"I’m devastated - he was like my best friend," she began before describing her son as "generous, funny and kind".

Several of Gilbey's fellow Gogglebox colleagues shared their messages of condolence. Stephen Lustig-Webb replied to the statement: "Very sad, sending our love to Linda and family."

Simon Minty echoed: "So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family."

Elsewhere, Vivien Woerdenweber also commented: "So sorry to hear this. Such a lovely family who gave many magical moments on C4 Gogglebox. Our deepest condolences to George’s family who must be devastated. Such a sad loss. RIP George."

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