English football star George Baldock died at the age of 31.
According to the BBC, the athlete – who was born in the United Kingdom but also held Greek citizenship – was found dead in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens, on Wednesday, October 9.
The outlet reported that there was no evidence of foul play and that the local coroner initially suggested that Baldock died of drowning before his body was found at 10:30 p.m. local time.
According to Reuters, the football player could not be revived after the police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on him.
Baldock’s family also said in a media statement: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
George Baldock.
Jez Tighe/ProSports/Shutterstock
Arne Espeel, 25-year-old Belgian footballer, died after saving a penalty: ‘This is a disaster’
The player joined leading Greek football club Panathinaikos as a defender back in May after playing for Sheffield United in England for seven years.
He also played 12 times in the same position for the Greek national team, after his debut in 2022.
Expressing their condolences, Panathinaikos paid tribute to their deceased player on social media.
“We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George,” read their headline in Greek. “The Panathinaikos family mourns his unexpected loss. We stand with the family and relatives of George Baldock.”
Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo died at the age of 27 after collapsing during a match: ‘Deepest pain and shock’
The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!
Sheffield United also paid tribute to their former player.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the death of former player, George Baldock,” they wrote on X. “The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with fans, staff and team-mates who they put on a red and white jersey with him.”
They added: “The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock’s latest Instagram post was a clip of him preparing to join the Panathinaikos squad.
“New Beginnings” was his headline, as the video captured him undergoing a medical before donning a team logo shirt and signing a contract.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education