MasterChef Australia series producer Jarred Bocca dies aged 35, months after chef Jock Zonfrillo’s death

Kellie Balaam
The Nightly
Hit cooking show MasterChef Australia has suffered another devastating death.
Hit cooking show MasterChef Australia has suffered another devastating death. Credit: supplied

MasterChef Australia series producer Jarred Bocca has tragically died aged 35.

Bocca, who worked with the Network 10 show for several years, sadly passed away on February 18.

The hit show paid tribute to the star in an emotional message during this year’s season premiere.

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“In loving memory of Jarred Bocca. Love forever, the MasterChef family,” the tribute read, alongside a photo of Bocca.

Bocca became a MasterChef series producer in May last year but has worked for its production company EndemolShine Australia since September 2014 in various roles.

He first worked as MasterChef’s studio production coordinator, before taking on other roles such as challenge producer and cycle producer.

MasterChef judges Sofia Levin, Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli.
MasterChef judges Sofia Levin, Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli. Credit: Supplied

The Melbournian also spent two years working with Hamish and Andy’s Radio Karate team on Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year and Caravan of Courage.

Bocca studied film and screen media production at Griffith University, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Fans of the show took to social media with kind-hearted condolences for his family and colleagues following the public announcement of his death.

“Many joyful memories and happy times at Masterchef, with Jarred. He had the ability to light up the room, and create a fun and productive work space,” one person wrote.

Another wrote: “Always smiling, irreverently cheeky, and an irreplaceable loss. May the many memories you have, and the love he surrounded people with, make those dark days a little easier to navigate.”

Bocca’s death comes months after the tragic death of judge and celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo.

Masterchef publicity shot of Jock Zonfrillo
Jock Zonfrillo. Credit: Unknown/Network Ten

Zonfrillo was found dead at the Zagame’s House hotel in Carlton, near Melbourne’s CBD, about 2am on April 30 last year.

At the time, his wife Lauren was in Italy with their two children and had phoned Victoria Police to request a welfare check because he stopped answering her calls.

His sudden death was still being investigated in March, nearly a year after his tragic passing, the Coroner’s Court of Victoria confirmed at the time.

The star’s death came one day before the 2023 season of MasterChef was due to launch.

Network 10 delayed airing the show for a week and dedicated the 15th season to Zonfrillo and his family.

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