The cause of the death of footballer George Baldock, whose body was found Wednesday night in his pool at his residence in the upscale Athens district of Glyfada, was determined to be drowning, following an autopsy on Thursday.

According to reports, the possibility of foul play was ruled out, after the examining coroner found that there were no signs of injuries or bruises on the deceased’s body, concluding he had died after he had swallowed water.

The former 31-year-old Panathinaikos footballer and Greek international, whose death sent shockwaves through Greece and England—Baldock donned Sheffield United’s jersey for 7 years—had reportedly been dead for 5 hours before the housekeeper discovered his body.

Baldock’s wife, unable to reach him from England, sought help from the property owner, eventually leading to the discovery of his body at the residence.

The player was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived at the scene a short while after his body was pulled out of the swimming pool by police officers.

The news of the tragic and untimely demise of the player reverberated throughout the global football community, with an outpouring of condolences and expressions of shock on social media.

His family released a statement about his death.

“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time.” 

Panathinaikos FC, the club he was playing for, released the following statement: “We are devastated and shocked by the loss of our George. The Panathinaikos family mourns the unfortunate passing of George Baldock. We stand by his family and loved ones.”

In its official statement, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) wrote: “With profound sadness and grief, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock. This moment calls for silence. Our deepest condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Farewell…”

Olympiacos FC stated on its official Instagram account: “The Olympiacos family shares in the mourning for George Baldock. Courage and strength to his loved ones.” Baldock had played his final match against the Reds last week.

His former club Sheffield United, with whom he had made 219 appearances over seven years, also released a statement on his death:
“Sheffield United is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of its former player, George Baldock. The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff, and his teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him. The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”

The English Football Federation and the English national team also extended condolences for George Baldock’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players and represented Greece, our opponents on Thursday night. Our thoughts are with George’s family, friends, and teammates at this difficult time,” said the statement from England’s National Team. The FA added: “We are heartbroken to hear of the death of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to George’s family, friends, and teammates at both his club and country.”

The players of England and Greece, who are scheduled to play in tonight’s UEFA Nations League match at Wembley Stadium, will wear black armbands and hold a moment of silence in tribute to George Baldock before the fixture.