Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock drowned while swimming in a pool at his home in Athens, his family have confirmed in a statement.
The 31-year-old was found dead on Wednesday night with his devastated fiancé Annabel Dignam paying tribute to her ‘soulmate’ and the ‘perfect dad’ to their young son Brody.
Baldock had been set to return to Sheffield this week to celebrate his son’s first birthday, a separate statement from the footballer’s family revealed.
Dignam wrote on Instagram: ‘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.
‘I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X.’
A separate statement from Baldock’s family confirming his cause of death and the plans for the former Premier League star to return to the UK this week.
‘We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens,’ a statement from Baldock’s family read.
‘George, you were the most special father, fiance, 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.’
Baldock began his career with MK Dons and spent seven years at Sheffield United, helping the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League twice.
Last summer, he left England to join Greek giants Panathinaikos, playing for them as recently as Sunday.
Baldock also represented the Greek national team, qualifying through his maternal grandmother and representing them 12 times.
Greece secured a memorable victory over England at Wembley on Thursday night with touching tributes made before kick-off.
Greece players celebrated their first goal by holding Baldock’s shirt aloft with matchwinner Vangelis Pavlidis also dedicating his side’s shock 2-1 win to his former teammate.