Everton release statement as work suspended on new stadium following death

14 August 2023 , 16:46

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A man has died on the site of Everton's new stadium (Image: Liverpool Echo)

Everton have said they are "heartbroken" after a 26-year-old man was killed at the site of their new stadium.

Emergency services arrived at Bramley Moore Dock, Liverpool,where the stadium is being built, shortly after midday on Monday. Workers were asked to leave the site, with police confirming the tragic incident had taken place.

Everton issued their condolences with an investigation to be launched, while work has been suspended by contractors. The statement read: "Everyone at Everton Football Club is heartbroken by the news a male worker has died following an incident at the Everton Stadium site at Bramley-Moore Dock.

"The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with Everton are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this unimaginably sad time. Stadium Contractor Laing O’Rourke has immediately launched an investigation and will work with the Police and the Health and Safety Executive to establish the full details of the incident."

A spokesperson for Laing O'Rourke said: "We can confirm that earlier today a member of our team, who was carrying out work for one of our sub-contractors, was seriously injured in an incident. He was taken to hospital via ambulance, where he sadly died.

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"We are shocked and saddened by today's tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased man and our wider project team."The police and the Health and Safety Executive are on site and we have suspended work until further notice. We will cooperate fully with any investigation that follows."

The man reportedly suffered severe head injuries, and was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medics he sadly died. Initially, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed they were on site and investigating what took place, and later Merseyside Police confirmed the death.

Everton's state-of-the-art stadium has been worked on for two years (Liverpool Echo)

A spokesperson for the police force said: "We can confirm that a man has died following an incident at Bramley Moore Dock this afternoon, Monday 14 August. At around 1pm it was reported that a 26-year-old man had been injured and emergency services attended the scene.

"The man was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead. His next of kin have been informed. Officers remain at the scene as we continue with the early stages of the investigation alongside the Health and Safety Executive."

The heartbreaking incident comes just days after the second anniversary of work started on Bramley Moore Dock. Once completed the stadium will seat almost 53,000 people, allowing Everton to move from their historic home, Goodison Park. Everton are due to move in at some point in the 2024-25 season.

Samuel Meade