George Baldock’s heartbroken wife-to-be has paid tribute to the “love of her life” following his tragic death.
The former Premier League star was discovered at his home in Athens on Wednesday after drowning in his swimming pool. The ex-Sheffield United full-back left behind his son Brody and fiancée Annabel Dignam – and, as reported by the Sun, she broke her silence hours after his death was confirmed.
Sharing a picture of the loved up couple smiling together, she wrote: “George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect dad to our beautiful boy.
“You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours. You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality. My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”
It comes as George’s family shared a tribute hours before, saying that he “brought so much love”. They said: “You were the most special father, fiancée, 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.”
As reported by the Mirror, it was Annabel who first raised the alarm after not hearing from George. She was unable to get hold of him and asked the owner of the house in Glyfada, Greece, to check for him.
The Greece international joined Athens ‘Panathinkaikos’ from Sheffield United, having qualified for the Greek national team via his grandmother. Tragically however, he was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord, who hopped over the fence to gain access to the property.
George was wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by the emergency services. Despite efforts to save his life, he sadly could not be revived. Forensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital on Thursday this week say he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.
Initial autopsy results confirmed the likely cause of death as “microscopically foamy microbubbles” had formed on the footballer – an indication of drowning. Police have said however that it would be “several weeks, if not months” before full autopsy and toxicology results were released.
It has been reported that a half empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool, leading police to investigate if another person was present at the time. Despite this, officials have since ruled out any criminal activity in his death.
Another person to have paid tribute to George is Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece. The second child and eldest son of the last king of Greece, Constantine II, and Queen Anne-Marie posted on his Instagram story with a picture of the footballer saying ‘RIP George Baldock’.
Sheffield United have shared a number of posts paying tribute to George. In one they wrote that were “shocked and extremely saddened” to hear of his death.
On X they wrote: Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock. The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.
The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Plymouth Argyle FC, Stoke City FC, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Sunderland AFC, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, Everton, Manchester City and the Premier League amongst countless more were also amongst those in the football world to pay tribute.
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