George Baldock's 'cause of death revealed' as ex-Prem star was 'dead for five hours'

The defender, who recently joined Panathinaikos in the Greek top tier, died after 'drowning in water' - according to a post mortem, cited by Athens broadsheet Kathimerini

Leigh Mcmanus and Simon Hamalienko Publishing Lead

13:32, 10 Oct 2024Updated 13:49, 10 Oct 2024

George Baldock was tragically found dead at his Athens home(Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Sheffield United star George Baldock tragically drowned in his Athens swimming pool, according to local reports in Greece.

The defender, who recently joined Panathinaikos in the Greek top tier, was reportedly dead for up to five hours before he was found. Athens broadsheet Kathimerini claims that a post-mortem examination said he died after 'drowning in water'.

The result of toxicology tests will be returned after 'several days', according to reports.

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Police in Athens have told MailOnline that they have already ruled out any criminal activity, including any burglary.

A spokesman for Greece's Hellenic Police said: "A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity.

"The police searched the house to determine if there were any signs of a burglary with a negative result.

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Baldock had made 12 appearances for Greece(Image: Getty Images)

"In addition, a specialized team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check on the house in order to rule out the possibility of criminal activity".

A police source told state TV that Baldock was dead for at least five hours before he was found on Wednesday night.

CCTV from the entrance of the house in a plush neighbourhood filled with politicians is being examined to ensure nobody visited the property in the hours before or after his death, reports stated.

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[A police source told state TV that Baldock was dead for at least five hours]

A police source told state TV that Baldock was dead for at least five hours(Image: Getty Images)

Baldock qualified to play for the Greek national team through his grandmother and was set to be involved in tonight's clash against England, which may well be postponed as a result of his passing.

The 31-year-old moved to Super League side Panathinaikos this summer on a free transfer from Sheffield United where he spent seven years and helped them win two promotions to the Premier League.

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