Gogglebox's Linda makes heartbreaking first statement after son George's tragic death
George Gilbey's mum, Linda McGarry, has released a heartbreaking statement following her son's death.
George tragically passed away last week at the age of 40.
Police have since stated that the beloved TV personality died on 27 March following a suspected accidental fall from a height in Shoebury, Essex.
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Ambulances and air ambulances rushed to the scene, but unfortunately, Gilbey did not survive the severity of his injuries.
An Essex Police statement read: "We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning, 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."
Following his death, Linda, 74, has paid tribute to her son.
“I’m devastated, he was like my best friend," she told the Clacton and Frinton Gazette. “He had the best heart in the world. He was generous, funny and kind, with bundles of charm and buckets of personality.
"He did more in his 40 years than people do in 90 – he’s even had dinner with the Prince of Dubai. He was crazy, but after coming out of showbiz, he couldn’t get his life back together. He just couldn’t get over the death of Pete."
George's stepdad Pete sadly passed away in 2021 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Meanwhile, Linda also revealed she had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
George was dad to Amelie, now seven, who he shared with Gemma Conway.
Linda described Amelie as his "absolute world" and said he "lived for that little girl and his mum".
She added: “George was a real contradiction he was so funny and so intelligent. A lot of people don’t know how intelligent George was.
"He was smart, which allowed him to be quick-witted and he was loud and outgoing, but at the same time very sensitive. He helped others, but he struggled himself."
The Essex-born TV personality appeared on Gogglebox alongside his mother, Linda and his stepdad, Pete from 2013-2014.
Gilbey was also known for his role in the 14th season of Celebrity Big Brother, where he reached the final.
A spokesperson for Gogglebox said on X: "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."
Lucy Devine