Cliff Notes
- Former footballer George Baldock died at 31 from accidental drowning in his swimming pool in Athens, with no drugs or alcohol found in his system.
- An inquest revealed Baldock had a very large heart, which could have made him susceptible to irregular heart rhythms.
- Tributes were paid nationally, including a moment of silence at a Nations League match, highlighting his impact as both a player and a person.
Footballer George Baldock died from drowning in his own pool in Athens, inquest finds | UK News
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Former Sheffield United and MK Dons footballer George Baldock died from drowning in his own swimming pool, an inquest has found.
The 31-year-old died as the result of an accident and had no drugs or alcohol in his system, the inquest at Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court heard on Wednesday.
The Buckinghamshire-born defender, who played for Greece, was found in the pool at his address in the Glyfada district of Athens on 9 October and efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
A post-mortem found no drugs or alcohol in his system and that he had a very large heart “that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias”, where the heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly.
His family had previously said in a statement that Baldock had “tragically drowned” whilst swimming in the pool at his home.
An investigation by Greek police after the incident also found no evidence of criminal activity.
Tributes were paid across the country in the days after Baldock’s death, including by his former clubs and at a Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley, where the stadium held a period of silence and both teams wore black armbands.
In a statement released at the time, Baldock’s family said: “George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate 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.”