George Baldock's heartbroken fiancée has paid tribute following the tragic death of the footballer in Greece.
The ex-Sheffield United player was found at his home in Athens on Wednesday (9 October) after drowning in his swimming pool.
The Britain-born Greek International spent seven years with the UK side before moving to Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League when his contract expired over the summer.
The 31-year-old was engaged to Annabel Dignam, who he shared young son Brody with.
Greek police issued a statement yesterday (10 October) confirming the footballer’s death had no link to criminal activity.
George Baldock is best known for playing for Sheffield United (Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Ahead of last night’s match between England and Greece, the Football Association (FA) confirmed a period of silence would be held for Baldock with players wearing black armbands.
And hours after his death was confirmed, Dignam paid tribute on social media with a photo of the loved-up couple smiling together.
“George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect dad to our beautiful boy,” she wrote. “You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours. 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’s family also released a statement, describing how the dad ‘brought so much love’.
“You were the most special father, fiancée, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person,” they said.
Tribute was paid at Wembley last night (10 October) (Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)“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. We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.
“You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss. As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.
“It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”
Sheffield United said Baldock was ‘was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates’ as the Greek national team also stated: "There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."Featured Image Credit: George Wood/Getty Images/James Gill-Danehouse/Getty Images
Topics: Football, UK News, Sport
Police have provided an update on the investigation of former Premier League defender George Baldock, who died on Wednesday (9 October) aged 31.
The ex-Sheffield United football player was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, in the south of the Greek capital, Athens.
After emergency services were called, police tried to resuscitate him at the scene, but they could not revive him, and medical emergency units confirmed his passing, according to Reuters via a police official.
The Britain-born Greek international spent seven years with the Blades, before moving to Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.
The right back was found dead on Wednesday (9 October) in his Greek home (Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)Greek police have stated that there is no evidence linking the death of Baldock to criminal activity.
A statement from Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection today (10 October) read: “A preliminary investigation has been carried out by the Attica Security Directorate.
“A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity.
“In addition, the police searched the house to determine if there are any traces of a burglary, with a negative result.
“Also, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check at the house in order to exclude the possibility of criminal activity,” it concluded.
The Football Association also confirmed that ahead of the clash tonight between England and Greece, there would be a period of silence, and both sides would wear black armbands.
Baldock represented Greece internationally (Levan Verdzeuli - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Following his untimely death, his family released a statement, reading: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away.
"As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss."
The sports world also weighed in with tributes, as his last club, Panthinaikos, said in a statement: "We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.
"The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock."
Sheffield United, the club he's best known for representing, also said: "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.
"The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends."
The full back made just four appearances for Panathinaikos after signing the three-year contract, playing his last game against Olympiakos on Sunday, a goalless draw.
The Greek international's career spanned over 15 years (Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Baldock received 12 caps for Greece throughout his career, with the nation set to face off against England in the Nations League tonight (10 October), though Baldock hadn't been selected.
The Greece national team also stated: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.
"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."
After starting his professional career with Football League side MK Dons in 2009, he made 100 appearances for the side, along with loan spells to sides such as Northampton Town, Tamworth and Oxford United.
He then joined Sheffield United in 2017, making 219 appearances for the side, contributing to their promotions to the Premier League in both 2019 and 2023.
Bladock chose to represent Greece internationally, as he qualifies through his grand mother, being called up for the first time in May 2022 and making his debut in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland.Featured Image Credit: Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images
Topics: Football, UK News, Premier League
The fiancée of an ice hockey player that was tragically killed during a match has paid a touching tribute to him on social media.
29-year-old Adam Johnson was the victim of a ‘freak injury’ during a game between Elite Ice Hockey League teams Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday night.
Adam was cut by an opponent’s skate, but managed to get towards the barriers before he collapsed and was surrounded by his teammates.
During the early hours of that night, the player sadly died in hospital.
His devastated partner Ryan Wolfe has now posted a tribute to Johnson on Instagram, sharing a picture of the ice hockey star, writing: "My sweet, sweet angel.
“I'll miss you forever and love you always."
Instagram/Ryan WolfeSince Johnson’s death, tributes and flowers have been left outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, including shirts bearing Johnson’s number 47.
The team’s assistant coach Kevin Moore said that the team was ‘really grateful for all the love and support’ they had received.
He added: “As time goes on we are going to heal, we are going to do that together.
“We are going to be strong and will continue that way and we will do you guys proud.
“We appreciate you coming here today and we thank you for all your support.”
Around 8,000 people were at the Challenge Cup game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, and support has been offered to anyone who witnessed the incident.
In a statement afterwards, the Panthers said that the team is ‘truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night’.
The statement continued: “Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. “The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”
His former team, the German Ausburger Panther side, also wrote: “Our thoughts are with Adam Johnson’s girlfriend, his family and teammates, and all the hockey fans and officials who had to watch the horrific accident inside the hall.
“We wish them strength in coping with the shock and immeasurable grief of a young life.”
Joe Sargent/Getty Images
So far, a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the Minnesotan player's family has raised nearly £13,500 from 300 donations.
All remaining fixtures that weekend were postponed as a mark of respect.
A full joint statement from all of the teams in the league reads: “The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.
“In light of this deeply upsetting news, the Elite League has postponed all games scheduled to take place on Sunday 29 October 2023.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and team mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam’s family at this time.
“Many of us will have found Saturday’s events very distressing. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Further help and advice is available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/our-work/mental-health-support/help-and-support.”Featured Image Credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images/Instagram/Ryan Wolfe
Topics: UK News, Sport
