Seamus Coleman leads Everton delegation at funeral of lifelong Toffees fan, who died after suffering head injuries in ‘heavy machinery’ incident at the club’s new stadium
- Michael Jones, 26, died tragically after suffering serious head injuries in August
- The lifelong fan was working at Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock
- Everton captain Seamus Coleman attended Friday’s funeral at a church in Kirkby
Seamus Coleman led a delegation of senior Everton staff at the funeral of a lifelong Toffees fan on Friday.
Michael Jones, 26, from Kirkby, Merseyside, tragically died in August after suffering head injuries while working at Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Everton captain Coleman attended Friday’s funeral at a church in Kirkby alongside interim chief executive Colin Chong, ambassadors Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin and club chaplain Reverend Henry Corbett.
The new stadium site on Regent Road was closed on Friday afternoon as a mark of respect by the club’s construction partner Laing O’Rourke.
The closure allowed Jones’ friends and colleagues from the construction team to attend the funeral, which finished with a procession past Goodison Park towards the crematorium.
Lifelong Everton fan Michael Jones (pictured) died tragically aged 26 in August after suffering serious head injuries while working at the Toffees’ new stadium site at Bramley Moore Dock
Toffees star Seamus Coleman led a delegation of senior Everton staff at the funeral on Friday
Tributes poured in for Jones after it was confirmed he had died in a ‘heavy machinery’ incident
In an emotional statement released by Jones’ family in August, it was revealed that he was a lifelong Everton supporter who was ‘so happy’ to be working on the new stadium.
Emergency services were called to the site at around 1pm on August 14 following the incident that involved ‘heavy machinery’.
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.’
Thousands of football fans and locals rushed to express their sympathies in the wake of the tragic incident last month, as Liverpool and Everton supporters alike took to Twitter to offer their tributes.
One Everton fan, Peter Macca, said: ‘This is 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 not return home after a days work to their family! Thoughts are with the family.’
Everton’s rivals Liverpool FC tweeted a message of support after the tragic accident last month
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby, expressed his condolences for the tragic incident
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby wrote on Twitter: ‘Absolutely tragic. Thoughts and condolences with his family, friends & colleagues.’
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.’
Meanwhile, Everton FC said: ‘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.
‘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.’
‘Michael Goodison Jones: Forever In Our Hearts’ – Darren Griffiths
At the funeral, a poem in honour of Jones was composed by family friend Darren Griffiths.
Titled ‘Michael Goodison Jones: Forever In Our Hearts’, it read:
You didn’t need to know Michael Jones,
You never needed to be told,
You only had to meet him once,
To know that he was solid gold.
A quick hello by Goodison,
A ‘high five’ outside the Brick,
Just a lovely kid from lovely stock,
A credit to Elaine and Mick.
We know you’re watching Saturday,
Behind the Boys in Blue,
But the next three points that Everton get,
Michael – they’ll be just for you.
You’re in the team forever now,
With Howard Kendall as your boss,
You can play a one-two with Alan Ball,
And get on the end of Kingy’s cross.
Then knock it down to Hickson,
And wait for the roar of the crowd,
As ‘There’s Only One Michael Jones’
Comes drifting through the clouds.
So keep on marching down the heavenly road,
Cos no matter what the Coppers shout,
You’ll always be with us Michael,
And your candle will never blow out.
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