George Gilbey, a self-employed electrician who appeared on Channel 4’s Gogglebox TV show, died after falling from height at work.
Credit: Doug Peters / Alamy Stock Photo
At an inquest hearing in Chelmsford, the coroner’s office said that Gilbey was working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight.
Gibley suffered from traumatic injuries to his head and torso and Essex Police said that he had “died at the scene” on the morning of 27 March at a workplace in Shoebury in Southend-on-Sea.
A man in his 40s, who was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter on 28 March has since been released under investigation Essex Police said, and added: “We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).”
On Monday 22 April, the inquest into Gilbey’s death was suspended pending the outcome of the Essex Police criminal investigation. Essex Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes said the matter would be reviewed in four months’ time, as reported by Sky News.
Channel 4 said in a statement: “George was part of the Gogglebox family alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”
His mother, Linda McGarry said: “I’m devastated – he was like my best friend”.
Further reading: Work at height charity launches ‘No Falls Week’
Falls from height are consistently the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, with 40 people losing their lives at work due to a fall from height in 2022-2023.
Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that falls from height were responsible for a third of all workplace deaths in 2023, up from a quarter the year before.
