GARY Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew died after he was crushed by a falling trunk, an inquest heard.
Jonty Parkinson, 18, was described as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet” by his cousin George Lineker, 31, in a touching tribute on social media.
Opening the inquest last week, senior coroner Darren Salter revealed the tree surgeon died following a crush injury to his abdomen whilst working on September 6.
Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Jonty, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Gloucs., was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon.
A GoFundMe page was set up in memory of the teenager, which has raised over £32,000 to go towards a “beautiful memorial or event” for the family.
A post under the appeal called Jonty a “very special, beautiful young man”, and added: “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.”
Gary Lineker’s son George, 31, last month described the tragic arborialist as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet”.
An Instagram story showed him with Jonty as a youngster, with George writing: “Taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”
Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also wrote a tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of a smiling Jonty.
He said: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”
Jonty 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.
Jonty’s mum, Ali Cockayne, is the sister of Michelle and was previously married to Former England rugby captain Will Carling.
A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.
