GGeorge Baldock, Greek international right side of Panathinaikos Athens, died of drowning in his swimming pool on Wednesday according to the findings of the autopsy. The Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection issued a statement on Thursday in which it explained that a “preliminary investigation has been carried out. […] A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body, which showed no signs of foul play. Furthermore, the police did not find any traces of burglary in the house.”
The lifeless body of the 31-year-old former Sheffield United player was found on Wednesday evening at his home in Glyfada, a southern suburb of Athens.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. Our family is in shock from this terrible loss. We ask the media to respect our privacy at this time,” his family said in a statement.
ERT specifies that the results of the toxicological analyzes are still awaited.
The TV station previously reported that the body was discovered “at the bottom of the swimming pool” and that a bottle of vodka was found at the scene.
An initial examination did not reveal signs of criminal activity, according to ERT.
According to the official ANA agency, it was Baldock’s wife, who is abroad, who alerted the owner of the residence after trying in vain to reach the player by telephone.
Born in England in Buckingham, Baldock held dual Greek and English nationality. He signed a three-year contract with Panathinaikos last May.
Of Greek origin through one of his grandparents, he joined the Greek national team in 2022. He had twelve caps.
Before Panathinaikos, Baldock spent seven years at Sheffield United in England, who were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship last season.
Baldock, who played in Sunday’s Greek league draw against Olympiakos, was not selected for Greece’s Nations League match against England at Wembley on Thursday due to an injury, according to ‘ERT.
Baldock was “one of us,” said the Greek federation, which asked its players to wear a black armband during the match.
The English federation but also many clubs and players have also paid tribute to him, such as his former teammate in Sheffield, now at Manchester United, Harry Maguire.
