The deceased soccer star’s significant other has shared details of their last plans before his tragic drowning in his home in Greece.
Annabel Dignam, fiancée of soccer star George Baldock and mother to their one-year-old son, Brody, shared her heartbreak over his sudden death in a private Instagram post, as reported by the Daily Mail. In the emotional tribute, she touched on their plans that were tragically cut short by his untimely passing.
Dignam referred to Baldock as her “soulmate” and the “perfect Dad” to their son. “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,” she added.
She also revealed that Baldock was due to travel to the UK for Brody’s first birthday. She promised to find strength for their son, even as her “world would never be the same” again. She ended her message with a declaration of eternal love, signing off with “Your Neen.”
Meanwhile, Greek authorities investigating the incident retrieved CCTV footage from a neighboring property showing Baldock swimming in the pool just before the tragedy.
The footage revealed that he had entered the water around 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, and was seen swimming before later stopping and sinking. His body was discovered hours later.
As this news traveled around the world, Baldock’s family released a public statement expressing their grief, describing him as a beloved father, fiancé, son, brother, and friend.
“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,” they wrote. They also requested privacy during this devastating time.
As reported previously, on October 9, 2024, Baldock, a defender for Panathinaikos and a former Premier League player, was found unresponsive in his swimming pool. Emergency services attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Baldock’s passing has shocked the soccer community, as the talented player had recently moved to Greece and was known for his contributions to both club and country. His death has left many grappling with the sudden and unexpected loss.
Baldock was discovered in his home in a suburb of southern Athens, around 10 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) after his partner, located in the UK, noticed he wasn’t answering his phone and alerted authorities. Upon arriving at the scene, police performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but Baldock had already been dead for several hours, according to official reports.
His family corroborated the soccer star’s passing with a brief initial statement, expressing, “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
Authorities are still awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination, though it had been reported that drowning was the likely cause of death. Toxicology tests are also being conducted, and the results will take several days. However, Greek police have ruled out foul play with no signs of a break-in or other suspicious activity at Baldock’s residence.
The soccer star, of Greek ancestry, joined Panathinaikos in May, shortly after Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League. Before his move to Greece, he spent seven years at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United, where he became a well-respected figure among teammates.
During his career, he also played for MK Dons and Oxford United. Though he had only recently made four appearances for Panathinaikos, his impact on the club was notable, having just played in a 0-0 derby against Olympiakos over the weekend.
Tributes from the soccer world began pouring in after the news broke. Sheffield United released a statement expressing their grief and disbelief. They emphasized his popularity among fans, staff, and teammates during his seven years at Bramall Lane. The club offered their deepest condolences to Baldock’s family and friends.
In its own statement, Panathinaikos FC wrote, “We are shocked by the loss of our George. Panathinaikos’ family mourns his unexpected loss. We stand with the family and relatives of George Baldock.”
Baldock’s sudden passing also prompted tributes from former teammates and fellow athletes. Ben Chilwell shared his sorrow on Instagram. He reminisced about their shared experiences, from their youth to their professional careers. In the end, he wrote, “Rest in Peace, mate.”
Ben Chilwell’s tribute to George Baldock, dated October 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/benchilwell
Dean Henderson, another former teammate, referred to Baldock as a “Blades legend” in his own social media tribute.
Meanwhile, the Premier League posted a statement expressing their condolences, “The Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of former Sheffield United defender George Baldock. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
The Greek National Football Team and the Hellenic Football Federation joined in the mourning, adding, “With deep sympathy and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock. There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own. Condolences to his family. Goodbye.”
In their statement, MK Dons expressed deep sadness at this loss, especially because Baldock began his career with their youth program and played his first professional match with the club. They offered condolences to his family and affirmed that he would always be remembered as one of their own.
As the soccer world continues to reflect on the life and career of Baldock, his final Instagram post has gained particular attention. “☘️✍🏼 New beginnings…” were his last words.
In August, another soccer player, Juan Izquierdo, passed away at 27. He died days after collapsing during a game due to an irregular heartbeat.
