Pictured: Lifelong Everton fan, 26, who died after suffering severe head injuries in ‘heavy machinery’ incident at club’s new stadium – as family reveal heartbreak over loss of ‘beloved son’ who was ‘so happy’ to have a job at the site
Tributes have been paid to a 26-year-old man who died after suffering severe head injuries while working at Everton’s new stadium.
Michael Jones, 26, from Kirkby, Merseyside, was taken to Aintree Hospital on Monday but died despite medics’ best efforts.
In an emotional statement released by his family today, it was revealed he was a lifelong Everton supporter who was ‘so happy’ to be working on the new stadium, as they paid tribute to their ‘beloved’ son.
Emergency services were called to the site at Bramley Moore Dock at around 1pm yesterday following the incident that involved ‘heavy machinery’.
A post-mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow, Merseyside Police said.
Pictures have been released of Michael Jones, 26, who died after suffering severe head injuries while working at Everton’s new stadium
Paying tribute this morning, Barry Murray posted a series of photos in memory of Michael, showing the Everton supporter at matches alongside other fans
A statement from Michael’s family said: ‘The family would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support. It is with our greatest sadness that our beloved son, brother uncle and friend Michael has sadly passed away.
‘He was a lifelong blue who was so happy to working on the new stadium. We want to thank the NHS staff and work colleagues who did their best for Michael. He will be missed beyond words.’
This morning, fellow football fan Barry Murray posted a series of photos in memory of Michael, showing the Everton supporter at matches alongside others.
He wrote: ‘Michael Jones RIP. Well lad travelled all around the world with you and our Mick and my three lads.
‘Saw you grow into a lovely caring, generous lad. RIP till we meet again.’
Merseyside Police is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and enquiries remain ongoing.
Four men who pulled up in three vans just before 11.30am laid a solitary wreath of flowers at the gates where he died.
One said: ‘He was a worker that’s why we put the flowers down. He was a worker just doing his job. I didn’t know him.’
Another said: ‘We we’re working on the site when it happened but we were over the other side.’
Stadium contractor Laing O’Rourke suspended work on the site and a statement from the firm read: ‘We will co-operate fully with any investigation that follows.’
The new stadium on the banks of the Mersey is expected to be completed midway through next season, though it has not yet been decided whether Everton will move from Goodison Park halfway through a campaign or wait until summer 2025.
