Gogglebox star George Gilbey has been laid to rest (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
TV star George Gilbey has been laid to rest following his death last month.
Gilbey, 40, tragically died on March 27 after a ‘freak accident’ at work saw him fall 80ft at a site in Shoebury, Southend-on-Sea, where he was working as an electrician.
At a short inquest hearing held in Chelmsford on Monday, it was confirmed that the Gogglebox star had fallen through a skylight.
‘[Gilbey] was working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight and landed on the ground below,’ said the coroner’s officer Deborah Frost.
His injuries were ‘consistent with a fall from height’, the post-mortem examination states, the BBC reports.
The TV star, who also competed on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 and reached the final, died at the scene.
Gilbey died aged 40 after a ‘freak’ work accident saw him fall from 80ft (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Hundreds gathered for Gilbey’s send-off today as his friends and family celebrated his life during his funeral.
Gilbey was remembered at an emotional service and committal at a crematorium near his home in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
A wake was then held where pals toasted in his memory and said their goodbyes.
The funeral’s Order Of Service was full of photos over the decades, with an image of Gilbey heading into the Big Brother house on the cover.
During the emotional service, the poem Afterglow was read out.
A source later told The Sun: ‘George has been laid to rest and his family have said their last goodbyes, it was a terribly sad day and devastating for everyone concerned, particularly his mother Linda who was in bits.
He starred on the popular Channel 4 reality show with his mum Linda and late stepdad, Pete (Picture: Channel Four)
‘George also has a daughter and it was terrible for her as well as his ex-partner.’
The beloved star’s funeral comes after a man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter but has since been released under investigation.
Once the devastating news started to spread, tributes poured in from friends and fans of Gilbey, with a fundraising page also set up to help with funeral costs for the ‘big character’.
Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, who starred on Celebrity Big Brother alongside Gilbey, led tributes on X, writing: ‘Breaks my [heart] but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend.
‘Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you GG.’
Former Strictly pro James Jordan said: ‘Just heard about another friend of mine dying today 😢 my thoughts go out to his family ❤️ Another one gone way too soon. RIP George xx.’
Celebs Go Dating star Nadia Essex shared a picture of Gilbey and called him her ‘best friend.’
The dad-of-one also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock)
On Instagram, she wrote: ‘In 2014 George and I spent a good 6 months together, best friends, business partners and were extremely fond of each other. I loved him and his family and I’m heartbroken to hear of his passing.’
Ex-EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook said of the Gogglbox personality: ‘Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.’
Presenter Lizzie Cundy added: ‘So very very sad about gorgeous George Gilbey’s passing. Such fun memories of him. Myself an @mrmarkdolan did the most funny interview with him after he had left the BB house . Thoughts and prayers with his family at this very sad time.’
Gilbey appeared on the Channel 4 reality show between 2013 and 2018 with his mum Linda and stepdad Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 from bowel cancer three years ago.
The family were filmed reacting to TV shows, and their down-to-earth nature and funny quips made them popular contributors.
His mum Linda is said to have been hit ‘very hard’ by Gilbey’s death (Picture: Piers Allardyce/Shutterstock)
Dad-of-one Gilbey also has an eight-year-old daughter, Amelie.
In a statement shared with Metro.co.uk, a spokesperson for Gogglebox said: ‘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.’
His mum Linda is said to be devastated, with a source telling The Sun: ‘This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
‘First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional.
‘George was like her little treasure.’
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