Haunting final gift MasterChef star received from Jock Zonfrillo before chef’s shock death: ‘It’s helped me so many times’
Returning MasterChef contestant Brent Draper has spoken about a significant gift Jock Zonfrillo gave him in 2021 when he was struggling with his mental health.
Draper, 33, said Jock was moved by his fight and gave him a parting set of worry beads when he left MasterChef mid-season two years ago.
“For three weeks I didn’t go anywhere without them and they literally helped me relax and calm down so many times,” he told media at the time.
He added that Zonfrillo is an extremely caring individual who was touched to hear about the challenges Brent was facing that forced him to leave the show.
“I keep the beads in my car.” They’re there as a little reminder of where I’ve been and of the people who support me,” he said.
Returning MasterChef contestant Brent Draper (pictured) has revealed the gift Jock Zonfrillo gave him in 2021 when he was struggling with his mental health
Following his shocking death on April 30, Brent posted a precious tribute to Zonfrillo on Instagram.
“They say you meet people in life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and I know Jock Zonfrillio came into my life for a reason,” he wrote.
“Though I wish it could have stayed that way for life.” “I will never forget the impact Jock had on my life.”
Draper, 33, said Jock Zonfrillo (pictured) was moved by his fight and gave him a set of worry beads as a parting gift when he left MasterChef mid-season two years ago
Zonfrillo was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room around 2am on April 30 following a welfare check.
Following the 46-year-old’s death, one of the most poignant moments in MasterChef history is remembered as a testament to the kind of person Zonfrillo was.
In 2021, Brent sensationally left the show to take care of his mental health, telling Mr Zonfrillo that he “had nothing left”.
“For three weeks I didn’t go anywhere without them and they literally helped me relax and calm down so many times,” he told media at the time. Pictured: Jock gives Brent the Worry Beads
In an incredible TV moment, the judge took the 31-year-old aside and choked back tears as he told Brent how proud he was of him.
“Buddy, I know it wasn’t an easy decision,” Zonfrillo said.
“We all want you to know that every single person in this kitchen is proud of you.”
MasterChef continues on Monday at 7.30pm on Channel 10
He added that Zonfrillo is an extremely caring individual who was moved to hear about the challenges Brent was facing that forced him to leave the show
Following his shocking death on April 30, Brent posted a precious tribute to Zonfrillo on Instagram, writing that Jock came into his life for a “reason”.