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 as a result of severe head injuries sustained while working on Everton’s new stadium.
Michael Jones, 26, of Kirkby, Merseyside, was brought to Aintree Hospital on Monday but died despite the best efforts of medical personnel.
In an emotional statement released today, his family claimed he was a lifelong Everton supporter who was’so thrilled’ to be working on the new stadium in honour to their ‘loving’ son.
At before 1pm yesterday, emergency services were called to the scene at Bramley Moore Dock following an incident involving “heavy machinery.”
Merseyside Police said a post-mortem examination would be performed tomorrow.
‘The family would like to thank everyone for their continuous support,’ stated Michael’s family in a statement. Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Michael, our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.
‘He was a lifetime blues fan who was overjoyed to be working on the new stadium. We’d want to thank the NHS employees and coworkers who went above and above for Michael. He will be sorely missed.’
This morning, fellow Everton supporter Barry Murray shared a sequence of images in remembrance of Michael, showing the Everton fan at matches alongside others.
‘Michael Jones, RIP,’ he wrote. Well, I traveled all over the world with you, Mick, and my three lads.
‘I saw you develop into a great loving, generous young man. ‘Until we meet again, RIP.’
Merseyside Police is collaborating with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and investigations are ongoing.
Four men arrived in three vans just before 11.30 a.m. and placed a single floral wreath at the gates where he died.
‘He was a worker, that’s why we put the flowers down,’ one added. He was just a worker doing his job. I had never met him.’
‘We were working on the site when it happened, but we were on the other side,’ added another.
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.
