George Baldock family issue new statement to pay tribute and confirm post-mortem results

Former Sheffield United star George Baldock was found dead at his villa in Athens on Wednesday, with the Greek international's family now thanking fans for their tributes to him

George Baldock's family have issued a new statement to confirm the post-mortem result that the Greek international drowned.

Baldock, who left Sheffield United to join Panathinaikos in the summer, was found dead in the swimming pool at his villa in Athens on Wednesday night. His wife had raised the alarm after failing to make contact with him from their home in England. Baldock is understood to have been dead for five hours before he was found by the owner of the villa in which he was staying.

The family have been left heartbroken by his sudden death. And they have now paid tribute to the defender and confirmed the post-mortem found that he had drowned.

"We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens," a statement from the family read.

"George, you were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person. 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."

Police are continuing to investigate whether a second person was in attendance when Baldock passed away. A spokesman for Greece's Hellenic Police added: "A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity. The police searched the house to determine if there were any signs of a burglary with a negative result.

"In addition, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check on the house in order to rule out the possibility of criminal activity".

Greece traveled to England on Thursday night in the Nations League. Their players said in a statement: “It is impossible to believe that our dear friend and team-mate, George, is no longer with us. Our pain is indescribable. Tonight, we will try to reach the strength of his soul, which is a bright example for us all. Our thoughts are with his family. We will never forget you friend.”