Tributes have been paid to a 26-year-old man who died after suffering serious 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 doctors’ best efforts.
In a moving 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 son’ beloved”.
Emergency services were called to the Bramley Moore Dock site around 1pm yesterday following the incident involving ‘heavy machinery’.
An autopsy is due to take place tomorrow, Merseyside Police said.
Photos have been released of Michael Jones, 26, who died after suffering serious 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 games alongside other fans.
Tributes poured in for Michael, who died yesterday after a ‘heavy machinery’ incident at the Bramley Moore Dock site
A statement from Michael’s family said: ‘The family would like to thank everyone for their continued support. It is with our greatest sadness that our beloved son, brother uncle and friend Michael has sadly passed away.
“He was a lifelong rookie who was so happy to work on the new stadium. We would like 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 games alongside others.
He wrote: ‘Michael Jones RIP. Well my guy has traveled all over the world with you and our Mick and my three guys.
‘I saw you grow into a lovely, caring and generous boy. RIP until we meet again.
Merseyside Police are working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and investigations are still ongoing.
Four men who pulled up in three vans just before 11:30 a.m. laid a solitary wreath at the gates where he died.
One said, “He was a worker, that’s why we put the flowers down. He was a worker who was just doing his job. I did not know him.
Another said: ‘We were working on the site when it happened but we were on the other side.
Stadium contractor Laing O’Rourke suspended work on the site and a company statement read: ‘We will co-operate fully with any ensuing investigation.
The new stadium on the banks of the Mersey is due to be completed by the middle of next season, although it has not yet been decided whether Everton will leave Goodison Park in the middle of a campaign or wait until the summer of 2025.
Emergency services were called to the Bramley Moore Dock site at around 12.32pm yesterday following the incident involving ‘heavy machinery’
Liverpool FC tweeted a message of support alongside blue and red hearts for rival football teams
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby, expressed his condolences over the tragic incident
Meanwhile, Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram took to Twitter to slam a despicable Tweet mocking Michael’s death
Thousands of football fans and locals rushed to express their sympathy following the tragic incident, as Liverpool and Everton football fans took to Twitter to pay their respects.
Everton fan Peter Macca said: “It’s so awful!” Sending my love to his family, friends and colleagues, my thoughts are with you all at this horrible time. RIP young man.
Another Everton fan said: “So sad!” No one should go home after a day of work with their family! Thoughts are with the family.
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby, wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely tragic. Thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Liverpool Football Club tweeted: “Everyone at Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and Everton FC.
The club added blue and red hearts to show their support for the rival football club.
Meanwhile, a vile tweet mocking the death of construction worker Michael was met with a furious backlash.
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram condemned the incident as encouraging “the worst excesses to come out from under their rocks” – adding there is “absolutely nothing funny” about the tragedy.
North West Ambulance Service said they were called at 12.32pm. An air ambulance and a road ambulance were dispatched to the scene, the latter taking a patient to hospital. Police are pictured at the scene yesterday
Construction company Laing O’Rourke said the man was carrying out work at the time of his death. Emergency responders are pictured at the scene yesterday
The tweet had used a football chant to shed light on the tragic incident and garnered a lot of attention on the platform.
The mayor replied, “Twitter really seems to encourage the worst excesses to come out from under their rocks.
“There’s nothing to sing about, nothing to celebrate and absolutely nothing funny about people going to a football game or to work and not getting home safely.”
Workers at the Bramley Moore Dock site said they were told about the incident and then asked to leave the area, but could not share further details. Echo of Liverpool reported.
North West Ambulance Service said they were called at 12.32pm. An air ambulance and a road ambulance were dispatched to the scene, the latter taking a patient to hospital.
In a statement to MailOnline, Merseyside Police said their officers were called to the scene around 1pm yesterday.
A spokesperson said: ‘The man was taken to hospital where he was unfortunately pronounced dead. His relatives have been informed.
An HSE spokesperson added: ‘We can confirm that we have been made aware of an incident and are investigating.
Everton FC said: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is heartbroken at the news that a male worker has died following an incident at the Everton Stadium site in Bramley- Moore Dock.
“The stadium contractor Laing O’Rourke has immediately launched an investigation and will work with the police and the Health and Safety Executive to establish full details of the incident.”
