HSE take over criminal investigation into death of Gogglebox star

Essex police said two men they had arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter would face no further action from the force.

In a statement they said: “Essex Police have confirmed their investigation into the death of George Gilbey last year has concluded.”

George Gilbey starred in the Channel 4 series, Gogglebox. Photograph: X

Mr Gilbey, 40, a self-employed electrician from Clacton-on-Sea, found fame in 2013 on the Channel 4 series Gogglebox – where participants watch and comment on TV shows from the previous week.

The reality star also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, reaching the final.

He was working in Shoeburyness, Essex on 27 March last year, when he died in a fall from height. No further details have yet been issued.

In a statement made on 13 August, HSE inspector Natalie Prince said: “We have been a part of this inquiry from the outset, and we will continue to thoroughly investigate George’s tragic death as the lead agency.

“This will aim to establish if there have been any breaches of health and safety law.”

Gilbey’s LinkedIn profile says he was looking for the ‘next challenge’ as an electrical engineer with over ten years’ experience and was seeking ‘new and rewarding work in the offshore wind sector.’

Latest HSE data shows that 35 people died following a fall from height at work last year, representing almost a third of all workplace deaths.

Hannah Williams, Charity Manager of the No Falls Foundation, said: “Too many people are still being killed falling from height. In the last five years, 188 people have been killed because of a fall from height.

“These deaths are not just statistics. Behind every number is a devastated family, group of friends, colleagues and employers who are left to face the long-term consequences these accidents can have.”