A permanent memorial in honour of construction worker Michael Jones who died during the building of Everton Stadium has been unveiled at the team’s grounds.
Laing O’Rourke joined with members of Jones’ family in remembering him and unveiled the memorial at Bramley-Moore Dock, which marked the first anniversary of his passing.
The 26-year-old lifelong Evertonian died in August last year while working on the construction of the Club’s new stadium.
Everton and construction partner Laing O’Rourke vowed to honour his life with a lasting tribute at the stadium.
Jones is survived by parents, Mick and Elaine, sisters Gemma, Katie, and Terri, who were joined by family and friends to visit the site on Wednesday to mark the unveiling on The Plaza of a mooring post painted by the family in royal blue and with a bronze ring attached bearing Michael’s name.
His sister, Gemma Leary, said: “It is an emotional day for all the family to be here to unveil the memorial to Michael.
“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.
“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.”
Laing O’Rourke Project Director Gareth Jacques and Everton’s CEO Colin Chong joined pay personal tributes.
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.
“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.”
Jones’ death is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
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