A permanent plaque has been installed at Everton Stadium in memory of construction worker Michael Jones, who died while helping to build the new stadium. The ceremony yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the lifelong Evertonian’s death in August 2023 while working on the Club’s future home. Everton and primary contractor Laing O’Rourke had promised to honor the 26-year-old’s life with a permanent memorial at the stadium.
On Wednesday, the Jones family and friends paid a visit to The Plaza to commemorate the inauguration of a mooring post painted royal blue with a bronze ring bearing Michael’s name. Everton’s CEO, Colin Chong, and Laing O’Rourke Project Director, Gareth Jacques, were also in attendance. Chong stated, “Michael’s untimely passing was felt by everyone linked to the Club, and we continue to remember him and his family. “His memory will live on in our new home, and we thought it was fitting to create a permanent memorial to Michael here at the stadium he helped build.
“Gareth and his team at Laing O’Rourke worked with the family to agree what that might look like and the Royal Blue mooring post bearing Michael’s name will, I am sure, provide some small solace, as well as providing the thousands of Evertonians visiting the stadium to pay their own personal tributes.” Michael’s sister, Gemma Leary, remarked, “It is an emotional day for all of the family to be here to unveil the memorial to Michael.”Michael’s enthusiasm for Everton was well known, and he was overjoyed to be working on the construction of the new stadium, so it seems fitting that his memory will be preserved here.
“I’d like to thank everyone that came out this afternoon as well as Everton and Laing O’Rourke for keeping Michael in everyone’s thoughts.”I’d also like to thank all Evertonians around the world for their support and condolences over the last year.”
