Gogglebox star George Gilbey died after falling through a plastic skylight in Shoeburyness, inquest heard

Beloved Gogglebox star George Gilbey died after falling through a plastic skylight while working in Essex, an inquest heard. The 40-year-old from Clacton was best known for his appearance on the Channel 4 series – where contestants watch and comment on TV shows from the week before – alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who will die in 2021 aged 71 died.

Essex Police were called to an address in Campfield Road, Shoeburyness, on March 27 after reports that a man had “fallen from height”. Officers, paramedics and an air ambulance were sent to the scene, but sadly Mr Gilbey died there.

Police continue to investigate the death with the Health and Safety Executive. An inquest into Mr Gilbey’s death was opened at Essex Coroners’ Court this morning (April 22).

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Coroner officer Deborah Frost said: “On March 27, Mr Gilbey was working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight and landed on the ground below. An ambulance was called and Mr Gilbey was treated at the scene, but he sadly died.

“The police investigation continues. A post-mortem examination by Dr. Benjamin Swift gave a preliminary cause of death as 1. A traumatic injury to the head and torso, consistent with a fall from height.”

Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said: “I am formally opening the inquest into the death of George Gilbey, I am satisfied that this is the identity of the deceased. Normally I would adjourn until the next hearing but I have received a written request from Essex Police to suspend the investigation while they conduct their investigation and the investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

“I do and will review the matter again in four months.” Coroner Brookes also sent his “sincere” condolences to Mr Gilbey’s family. A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with Mr Gilbey’s death on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence and has since been released under investigation.

A fundraising campaign to support Mr Gilbey’s family and pay for his funeral costs has raised more than £6,600 since it went live a few weeks ago.