Former Premier League footballer George Baldock has reportedly been discovered deceased in his swimming pool in Greece at the age of 31.
The former Sheffield United defender, who had recently transferred to Greek club Panathinaikos during the summer period, was found lifeless in a pool situated at his residence, as per reports originating from Greece.
Numerous media outlets within the country have disseminated this information, including Sport24 and SDNA.
Concerns were allegedly raised when Baldock’s spouse was unable to establish communication with him after several hours of silence.
The Mirror indicates that emergency services were summoned following the discovery of Baldock in his swimming pool, with a physician who was part of the emergency response team confirming that he had tragically passed away.
The Daily Mail reports that images reviewed by the emergency response team imply that Baldock had succumbed several hours before he was located.
The precise cause of death will be ascertained through a post-mortem examination.
Baldock had only joined Panathinaikos this summer after departing from Sheffield United, subsequent to their relegation from the Premier League in the previous season.
He dedicated seven years to the Blades from 2017 to 2024, having also represented MK Dons, Northampton, and Oxford United earlier in his career.
Of Greek descent through his father, he made his international debut for Greece in 2022, garnering 12 caps for the national team.
His reported demise occurs on the eve of Greece’s Nations League fixture against England at Wembley on Thursday evening.
Tributes have already been paid to George Baldock, with Panathinaikos opting to black out their profile picture on X and Instagram in response to the tragic news.
England defender Harry Maguire, who has also previously donned the Sheffield United jersey, paid tribute to Baldock by posting an image of the defender on social media, accompanied by the words ‘RIP’ and a broken heart icon.
The Greek Super League seemingly confirmed the announcement of George Baldock’s death with an official statement released late on Wednesday evening.
“The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” read the statement.