Former Premier League footballer George Baldock drowned in the swimming pool at his Athens home, just a day before he was due to fly back to the UK for his son's first birthday, an inquest has heard. The 31-year-old, who played for Sheffield United and Panathinaikos, was found dead in the Greek capital on October 9, 2024.
The inquest, held in Buckinghamshire, ruled his death an accident. Toxicology tests showed no drugs or alcohol in his system, and there was no evidence of criminal activity. The court was told that Baldock had a very large heart, which would have made him susceptible to heart arrhythmias.
Baldock had played a club fixture just three days before his death. His fiancée raised the alarm after failing to contact him, and the owner of the house where he was living discovered his body in the pool. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he could not be saved.
In a statement, Baldock's family said: 'George, you were the most special father, fiancé, 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.'
Baldock began his career at MK Dons, making 125 appearances, before moving to Sheffield United in 2017. He played 219 times for the Blades, scoring six goals, and helped the club win promotion to the Premier League twice. He joined Panathinaikos in the summer of 2024 and played four times before his death.
Baldock also represented Greece at international level, earning 12 caps after qualifying through his grandmother. The day after his death, Greece played England at Wembley, with tributes paid before and after the match.
