Everton stadium worker's memory 'will live on'

Michael Jones' sister said his memory would "live on" with a new memorial outside Everton's new stadium

The family of a man who died during the construction of Everton's new stadium said his "memory will live on" as a permanent memorial was unveiled.

Michael Jones suffered severe head injuries when he was caught between a scissor ladder he was operating and a beam above at the Bramley-Moore Dock site on 14 August 2023.

The 26-year-old ventilation engineer's death is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Everton FC and Laing O'Rourke, the firm contracted to build the new stadium, had vowed to create a lasting tribute to Mr Jones, who was a life-long fan.

Michael Jones will be "missed beyond words", his family previously said

The club held a ceremony to unveil the memorial on the first anniversary of his death - attended by his parents, Mick and Elaine, and his sisters Gemma, Katie and Terri.

The memorial was revealed as a mooring post, painted in royal blue, with a bronze ring attached bearing Mr Jones' name.

The memorial was agreed between Everton, Laing O'Rourke and the family of Michael Jones

One of his sisters, Gemma Leary, said the ceremony was an "emotional day" and thanked both the club and Laing O'Rourke.

"His love for Everton was known to all and Michael was so proud to work on the development of the new stadium, so it feels right that his memory will live on here", she said.

Everton CEO Colin Chong said: "Michael's tragic death was felt by everyone connected with the Club and we still carry him and his family with us in our thoughts.

"His memory will live on in our new home, and we felt it was appropriate to have a lasting memorial to Michael here at the stadium he helped to build."

The Merseyside club have said the 52,888-capacity stadium remains on schedule to be completed by the end of 2024.