'MasterChef' star Jock Zonfrillo died of 'natural causes', according to reports

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By Nasima Khatun

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Jock Zonfrillo's cause of death has now been revealed just a few days after it was confirmed that the star had passed away aged 46.

Zonfrillo, a prominent chef who appeared on MasterChef Australia, died on Sunday in Melbourne, Australia.

His untimely death was initially reported by Network 10, and then later confirmed by his family via a statement.

"With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday," Zonfrillo’s family said.

"So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky," they continued.

"We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend," the statement concluded.

At the time, Zonfrillo's cause of death was not revealed, however, a Victoria Police spokesperson disclosed that the death was not being treated as suspicious, Metro reported.

The spokesperson said: "Police attended a Lygon Street address for a welfare check and located a man deceased about 2am on May 1. The 46-year-old man’s death is not being treated as suspicious."

Now, just days later it has been confirmed that the Glasgow-born cook died of natural causes, as reported by Daily Mail Australia.

Investigators searched the room that Zonfrillo was found in at the Zagame's House hotel and did not stumble across any suspicious items that could have contributed to his death, thus confirming that he passed away naturally.

Sources also told the outlet that "no drug paraphernalia [was] found in the hotel room."

His body has since been transported to a coroner's office where further investigations will take place for an exact cause of death.

Though it has not yet been suggested that the 46-year-old's death could have been linked to the fact that he was secretly battling colon cancer, Daily Mail Australia did report that a source confirmed to the outlet that he kept his medical issues from most friends and colleagues.

It was also reported that he received treatment for the disease in between filming episodes for MasterChef Australia.

The TV network also released a tribute upon confirming the unfortunate news.

"Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week," they wrote on Twitter.

"Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed," a spokesperson added.

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife and four children.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the star's loved one during this difficult time.

Featured Image Credit: Bosiljka Zutich / Alamy