Worker killed in Everton stadium tragedy named as heartbroken family pay tribute

15 August 2023 , 09:59

569     0

Worker killed in Everton stadium tragedy named as heartbroken family pay tribute

An Everton supporter has died after being injured while carrying out out construction work at the club's new stadium as his heartbroken family say he was a "lifelong blue".

Michael Jones, 26, from Kirkby, Merseyside, died on Monday after being injured at Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool, where emergency services were called at about 1pm. Mr Jones from Kirby, reportedly suffered severe head injuries and died in hospital as stunned workers were ordered to leave the site.

His heartbroken family have paid tribute to the lifelong Everton fan. In a statement they 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 be 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."

Michael Jones was killed on Monday (Merseyside Police)

Tributes have been pouring in after Mr Jones' death which is being described by hundreds as "heartbreaking." Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby wrote on Twitter: 'Absolutely tragic. Thoughts and condolences with his family, friends & colleagues.' Nikita Davies said: "This is absolutely devastating. Thinking of his family and friends, work mates and anyone else involved. May he rest in peace."

Rachel Ford commented: "How heartbreaking, such a tragic accident, thinking of all those who loved and adored him." A third, Susan Gallagher added: "So heartbreaking, poor young man goes to do a days work and so sadly wont be going home. I'm so heartbroken for his family. Deepest condolences." Laura J Lindsay said: "This is just so saddening and beyond tragic, 26 years of age and lost to a terrible accident. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

Emergency services descended on Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool (Liverpool Echo)

While another Helen Martin said: "Horrible, that poor lad went out to earn a living this morning and this happens. Hope his family get all the help they need." Lisa Reeves said: "This is unbelievable, young lad goes to work and doesn’t come home, my hearts go out to his poor family." And Rebekah Wilson commented: "So sorry this happened when you were just working and earning a living. Your family and friends must just be beyond devastated."

A vile tweet mocking Mr Jones' death has been met with furious backlash.

Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram condemned the tragedy as encouraging 'the very worst excesses to crawl out from under their rocks' . He added there is 'absolutely nothing funny' about Mr Jones' death.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed they were investigating the death. On Monday a spokesperson for the HSE told The Mirror: "We can confirm we have been made aware of an incident and are making enquiries."

Everton also issued a statement over the news yesterday, saying everyone at the club was "heartbroken" by the news. The statement continued: "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."

Everton's new stadium is set to open in 2025 (Getty Images)

Liverpool Football Club tweeted: 'Everybody at Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, colleagues and Everton FC.' The club added blue and red hearts signifying both rival clubs.

Laing O'Rourke, in a statement of their own, 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.

"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 HSE are on site and we have suspended work until further notice. We will cooperate fully with any investigation that follows."

Lorraine King