Gary Lineker's tree surgeon nephew, 18, 'crushed to death by trunk'

Gary Lineker's 18-year-old nephew was crushed to death by a falling tree trunk while working as a tree surgeon, an inquest has heard. 

Jonty Parkinson, nephew-in-law to the Match of the Day presenter from his marriage to his first wife Michelle, died of a crush injury to his abdomen after the incident in Oxfordshire.

A inquest opened last week at Oxford Coroner's Court heard Mr Parkinson, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Cirencester, died on Friday September 6.

The incident happened while the 18-year-old was working as a tree surgeon.

Social media in his local area has been awash with tributes while a GoFundMe has since been set up in the teenager's memory, raising more than £30,000.

Created by family friend Allison Murray, the fundraiser read: 'To friends of Bob and Ali Parkinson, I have started this fundraiser to help them create a beautiful memorial or event to celebrate the life of their much loved son Jonty, who tragically lost his life on the 6th September.

'I realise money can't fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty or in anyway the family see fit.'

Mr Parkinson's funeral is said to have taken place last Friday. A number of local businesses close to his home in Gloucestershire closed for the day to allow staff to attend the service.

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Heartbreak for Gary Lineker's family: Match of the Day host's sons pay tribute to their 'little cousin' Jonty - the son of Gary's ex wife's sister Ali Cockayne - who 'was taken too soon'

Lineker himself has not made a statement on his nephew-in-law's passing. 

The Oxford Mail reports that the incident occurred in Eaton Hastings. A date for the full inquest is yet to be confirmed. 

News of Jonty's death first broke last month when two of Lineker's four sons from the marriage penned moving social media tributes to their cousin.

George, 31, posted an Instagram story featuring a picture of himself with Jonty as a youngster with a caption, saying: 'One of the nicest boys you'll meet, taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you'll be missed by all.'

Meanwhile Tobias, 28, also posted a boyhood picture of Jonty smiling with a message, saying: 'Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.'

Mr Parkinson appears to have been working in landscaping for some time.

A profile picture on a social media account bearing his name was uploaded in July 2023 showing him grinning as he stands on a trunk of a recently felled tree beside two of his colleagues.

His grandmother, Sue Parkinson, owns designer clothing boutiques bearing her name in the area.

In a post across social media, the stores said they would close last Friday so those working in the family business could attend his final farewell.

The post on the stores' account said: 'We are devastated to have to share the news that Jonty Parkinson - Bob & Ali’s son, Sue & John’s grandson and Sally’s nephew - passed away on Friday 6th September. 

'As a family we wanted to share our gratitude for the huge outpouring of love we’ve received at such a difficult time.

'The fact that our staff and customers are continuing to support our family business while we deal with this heartbreaking loss means so much to us, so thank you.'

Among those to pay tribute on the post was Sky Sports News presenter Alex Hammond, who said: 'I’m so sorry to hear this awful news guys. Sending love to you all.' 

The New Wave Brasserie, Bar and Fish Market in Lechlade, which said it had once employed Mr Parkinson, said in a social media post last week: 'With heavy hearts we want to send our warmest condolences to Bob and Ali Parkinson for the loss of their son Jonty.

'Many of you may have met Jonty when he was working at the restaurant and know his kindness and how much he meant to us.

'We are all devastated and sending so much love to Bob and his entire family.

'The funeral arrangements and celebrations of his life are Friday afternoon so please understand we will be closed early tomorrow for our staff to attend.

'Many thanks for your thoughts and kind comments. We will pass them all to Bob and his family x.'

Mr Parkinson was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children - George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.

The tragic teen's mother, Ali Cockayne, is Michelle's sister, and was previously married to former England rugby captain Will Carling.

Gary Lineker met Michelle when she was just 14 and he was an 18-year-old reserve for his home club Leicester City.

The couple married in 1986, but Michelle filed for divorce in 2006 on the grounds of her husband's 'unreasonable behaviour'. 

She submitted court documents claiming his actions in their marriage had caused her 'stress and anxiety'.

Lineker and Michelle later stated their marriage breakdown was 'amicable' and have since remained on friendly terms.