Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old nephew was crushed to death by a falling tree trunk as he worked as a tree surgeon, an inquest has heard.
Jonty Parkinson, nephew-in-law to the Match of the Day presenter from his marriage to his first wife Michelle, died of a crush injury to his abdomen in Oxfordshire.
A inquest opened last week at Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Mr Parkinson, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Cirencester, died on Friday September 6.
The short hearing on September 25, before senior coroner Darren Salter, heard the incident happened while the 18-year-old was working as a tree surgeon.
A GoFundMe has since been set up in the teenager’s memory, raising more than £30,000.
Created by family friend Allison Murray, the fundraiser read: ‘To friends of Bob and Ali Parkinson, I have started this fundraiser to help them create a beautiful memorial or event to celebrate the life of their much loved son Jonty, who tragically lost his life on the 6th September.
‘I realise money can’t fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty or in anyway the family see fit.’
Mr Parkinson’s funeral is said to have taken place last Friday. A number of local businesses close to his home in Gloucestershire closed for the day to allow staff to attend the service.
Lineker himself has not made a statement on his nephew-in-law’s passing.
The Oxford Mail reports that the incident occured in Eaton Hastings. A date for the full inquest is yet to be confirmed.
The New Wave Brasserie, Bar and Fish Market in Lechlade, which said it had once employed the young man, said in a social media post last week: ‘With heavy hearts we want to send our warmest condolences to Bob and Ali Parkinson for the loss of their son Jonty.
‘Many of you may have met Jonty when he was working at the restaurant and know his kindness and how much he meant to us.
‘We are all devastated and sending so much love to Bob and his entire family.
‘The funeral arrangements and celebrations of his life are Friday afternoon so please understand we will be closed early tomorrow for our staff to attend.
‘Many thanks for your thoughts and kind comments. We will pass them all to Bob and his family x.’
News of Jonty’s death first broke last month when two of Lineker’s four sons from his first marriage penned moving social media tributes to their cousin.
George Lineker, 31, posted an Instagram story featuring a picture of himself with Jonty as a youngster with a caption, saying: ‘One of the nicest boys you’ll meet, taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.’
Meanwhile Tobias Lineker, 28, also posted a boyhood picture of Jonty smiling with a message, saying: ‘Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.’