The Health and Safety Executive is now handling the investigation into the death of an Everton fan while working on the club’s new stadium. Michael Jones, a ventilation engineer from Kirkby, died on August 14, 2023, after being injured at Everton’s new stadium construction site, Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool. An inquest heard that Michael, 26, received severe head injuries when he was caught between a beam and a piece of machinery. The court was told that Mr Jones, whose middle name was Goodison, was wearing a hard hat that was damaged in the incident. Senior coroner Andrew Rebello described the probe as “very complex and technical,” and the inquest was rescheduled until February 29.
Michael Jones worked for Mersey Vent Ltd, and the stadium contractor, Laing O’Rourke, will be called to testify in the inquest. Jurgen Klopp paid tribute after a construction worker died at Everton’s stadium. HSE inspector John Padfield said: “We have been a part of this inquiry since the beginning, and we will continue to thoroughly investigate Michael’s tragic death as the lead agency.” “The goal of this investigation will be to determine whether any violations of health and safety laws occurred. “We are in regular contact with Michael’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this time.”
Following Mr Jones’ death, his family praised him as a “beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend”. They stated: “He was a longtime Blue who was overjoyed to be working on the new stadium. “We’d want to thank the NHS personnel and colleagues who tried everything they could for Michael. “He will be missed beyond words.”
