George Gilbey’s family struggling to raise money for the Gogglebox star’s funeral after C4 star’s sudden death
GEORGE Gilbey's grieving family are struggling to raise money for the Gogglebox star's funeral following his tragic death.
The electrician and former Celebrity Big Brother star passed away last month following a shocking 80ft plunge through a skylight.
George had been scaling a roof at a warehouse in Essex when the tragedy unfolded, friends have said.
Following his shock death, the family's chosen funeral directors set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of his mum Linda McGarry, 74.
Reality star Ricci Guarnaccio — who starred with George on CBB in 2014 — said at the time of the fundraiser going live: “It is amazing so many people are doing what they can to help, especially for Linda who is beside herself.
“The family were blind-sided and she is understandably struggling to process the awful news.”
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George's family hoped to raise £5,000 for his send-off, with any money left over going to his eight-year-old daughter Amelie.
But well-wishers have only managed to gather together £2,785 so far for George's funeral.
A message on the fundraising page reads: "I know his passing has come to a shock for a lot of people, he was such a big character in life and is going to be sorely missed by friends, family and all who knew him.
"I think I can safely say we all enjoyed watching him on Gogglebox, Big Brother and all his other TV appearances.
"Anything you can donate would be a great help to the family so thank you in advance, all money will go to Linda to pay for his funeral costs and any funds that are left over after will be given to George’s 8 year old daughter Amelie.
"The funeral date is still to be confirmed and will be updated in due course."
George was at work when he tragically died on March 27.
A man was arrested on suspicion of 'gross negligence manslaughter' after the tragedy in Shoebury, Essex. He was released while police investigate.
The horror comes three years after the death of George's stepdad Pete McGarry, who starred with George and Linda on Gogglebox.
Pete died suddenly in 2021 at the age of 71 from bowel cancer.
Prior to his death, George was trying to get his life back on track after months of drinking heavily, friends have said.
He was due in court this month for allegedly assaulting an ex.
The reality star has a previous domestic violence conviction for attacking another ex, Gemma Conway, the mother of his daughter Amelie. In 2019, he was jailed for drink-driving in 2019.
George's ex flame Stephanie Pratt has since broken her silence on his shock death.
The American star 37, formed a close bond with George during their 2014 stint on CBB and they even enjoyed an impromptu 'wedding' on the show.
Taking to her Instagram, the Made In Chelsea and The Hills favourite shared a selection of images from her time spent in the CBB house with George.
Captioning it, emotional Stephanie penned: "I just now heard the devastating news of George Gilbey’s passing.
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"I’m at a loss for words- it never makes sense when someone who is so unbelievably kind is taken from this world.
"George really was the most beautiful person- I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as lovely, sweet, funny, humble, charismatic, thoughtful… I mean the list truly goes on."
