George Baldock family confirm post-mortem results and issue new statement to pay tribute
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
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorGeorge Baldock's family issued a new statement to confirm the post-mortem result that the tragic footballer drowned - before his international team-mates claimed a first-ever win at Wembley in his honour.
Greece shocked England as Lee Carsley's changes backfired to record a 2-1 win, paying tribute to Baldock before the game and after both goals.
Greece forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored both goals for the visitors, told ITV post-match: "It was a really special day for us because of George. We are people and it's a special night because of him. [We have thought about him] a lot since we heard it yesterday.
"A difficult moment for us because George was part of the team. Special guy. We have to play for him and it doesn't matter the score today. We gave everything for him."
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".
UEFA sanctioned a series of tributes ahead of and during Thursday's Nations League clash. Before kick-off, a minute's silence was held in memory of the 31-year-old. Both sets of players and coaching staff also wore black armbands during the match.
UEFA said in a statement: “UEFA would like to send its condolences to the family of George Baldock, the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) and Panathinaikos FC following the Greek international's sudden and untimely death. Following a request by the HFF, a minute's silence will be observed ahead of tonight's UEFA Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium, with both teams wearing black armbands during the game.”
Meanwhile, fans of his former club Sheffield United laid flowers and shirts bearing Baldock's name outside of the Blades' Bramall Lane stadium. Baldock began his career at MK Dons before spells at Northampton Town, Tamworth and Oxford United.
Several players, including Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker-Peters have paid tribute on social media. On Thursday morning Dele Alli took to his Instagram to underline his love for Baldock, with the pair through the academy with at MK Dons and retaining a strong friendship.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright delivered an emotional tribute of his own to the late Baldock, having coached him during his youth at MK Dons. Wright told ITV : "Terrible news, shocking news.
"In this time, you cannot help but think about his friends and his family, obviously. I spoke to [former MK Dons manager] Karl Robinson last night, he was devastated himself. It was a real blow. [He was] hard-working, determined, he was somebody that you always thought, the way he applied himself, he was probably gonna get to where he wanted to go, which was the Premier League.
"I'm very sorry and all my condolences go to his family."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.