Gary Lineker’s nephew crushed to death by falling tree
Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old nephew was crushed to death by a falling tree, an inquest has heard.
Jonty Parkinson, who was nephew to Lineker from his first marriage, died of a crush injury to his abdomen in Oxfordshire.
An inquest into the death, which opened last week at Oxford Coroner’s Court, heard that Mr Parkinson, of Coln St Aldwyns, Cirencester, died on Sept 6.
The inquest held on Sept 25 heard the teenager had been working as a tree surgeon when the incident occurred.
A GoFundMe has since been set up in Parkinson’s memory, with more than £32,000 raised to date.
Allison Murray, a family friend who created the donation page, wrote: “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 Sept 6.
“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 any way the family see fit.”
It is understood that Mr Parkinson’s funeral took place on Friday, with several local businesses closing for the day so that staff could attend the service.
Lineker, who presents the BBC’s Match of the Day, is not believed to have made a public statement following the death of his nephew-in-law.
Mr Parkinson was the nephew of Lineker, 63, from his marriage to Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.
Mr Parkinson’s mother Ali Cockayne, who was previously married to former England rugby captain Will Carling, is Michelle Cockayne’s sister.
Lineker’s 31-year-old son, George, posted on social media shortly after the death.
In a tribute on Instagram, he described Mr Parkinson as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet, taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”
Tobias Lineker, aged 28, wrote: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”
