BBC Match of the Day: Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old nephew died in tragic accident

Jonty Parkinson has been described as “one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.”

Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old nephew died in a tragic accident, an inquest heard. The teenager died after being crushed by a tree while working.

Jonty Parkinson died from a crush injury to his abdomen while working on September 6, senior coroner Darren Slater said at the opening of the inquest last week. Oxford Coroner’s Court heard the teenager was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon – reports The Mirror.

Jonty, who was born in July 2006, was described as “one of the nicest boys you will ever meet” by cousin George Lineker, 31, in a tribute shared on social media. He shared a photo of himself with Jonty when he was younger with the caption: “One of the nicest guys you’ll meet, taken way too soon. Fly high cousin, everyone will miss you.”

Tobias Lineker, 28, posted an old picture of the smiling teenager and added: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.” Family business Sue Parkinson took to her Instagram page to mark the tragic in a post last week to share news of his death. They said: “We are devastated to share the news that Jonty Parkinson – Bob and Ali’s son, Sue and John’s grandson and Sally’s nephew – passed away on Friday September 6th.”

“As a family, we wanted to express our gratitude for the tremendous love we have received during such a difficult time. The fact that our employees and customers continue to support our family business as we deal with this heartbreaking loss means so much to us, so thank you.”

The date of the funeral was then given before customers were thanked for their understanding. Followers rushed to the comments section to express their condolences. One person wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you all so much love.” And another posted: “Absolutely devastating news. Sending lots of love to you all.”

A GoFundMe page has also been set up in Jonty’s memory to help the family “create a beautiful memorial or event to celebrate the life of their beloved son Jonty.” The description went on to say he was “a very special” and “beautiful young man” and stated: “I realize that money cannot fill the great chasm of loss that you feel, but I hope that it can “can be used to ease the burden of funeral costs or to provide a worthy memorial for Jonty.”

The fundraiser has so far raised £32,000. Jonty was the nephew of Match of the Day star Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife Michelle Cockayne – with whom he has four children. Jonty’s mother Ali – the former partner of rugby legend Will Carling – is Michelle’s sister. A date for the full investigation has yet to be confirmed.