Simon & Schuster Australia is shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, our author and friend whose autobiography, Last Shot, we proudly published in 2021.

Emma Nolan, Jock’s Publisher, says: “Jock was kind, talented, hard-working and a whole lot of fun.

It was an honour to publish his incredible memoir and travel around the country with him to watch him cook his fettuccine carbonara with no f*cking cream, meet readers and share his encyclopedic knowledge of all things Scottish Whisky. He made every person he met feel special, particularly those who had been through similar life challenges. His bravery in opening up about his own battles touched so many people and changed lives.

My heart goes out to Loz, his children, family, friends and colleagues at MasterChef.”

Dan Ruffino, Managing Director, says: “We send our love and support to Jock’s family, friends & colleagues at this very sad and difficult time. It was our great privilege to publish Jock’s incredible and colourful life story in 2021. He was a man of great passion, drive and skill and we’ll be forever grateful to have spent time with him bringing his story to life. No one who met Jock will ever forget him and that is true of the entire Simon & Schuster Australia family and our bookseller friends.”

Simon & Schuster Australia will not be providing further comment at this time.