Gary Lineker’s Nephew Tragically Dies in Tree Surgery Accident
Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old nephew, Jonty Parkinson, tragically lost his life after being crushed by a falling tree trunk while working as a tree surgeon, an inquest revealed. The heartbreaking incident took place on Friday, September 6, in Oxfordshire, where Jonty was performing his duties. The young man, who lived in Coln St. Aldwyns, Cirencester, suffered fatal crush injuries to his abdomen during the accident.
An inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court, overseen by senior coroner Darren Salter, confirmed the details of the tragic event on September 25. While a date for the full inquest is yet to be set, the hearing made clear that Jonty was working as a tree surgeon at the time of the accident in Eaton Hastings, Oxfordshire.
Tributes have poured in for Jonty, with local social media channels flooded with messages of love and condolences. A GoFundMe page was created by family friend Allison Murray in his memory, raising over £30,000 to support the family. In her message on the fundraiser, Murray 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 the 6th September.” She 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 or in any way the family sees fit.”
Jonty’s funeral was held last Friday, and local businesses in Gloucestershire, near his home, reportedly closed for the day to allow employees to attend and pay their respects. The community has rallied around his family during this difficult time, but the loss remains a heavy burden.
Gary Lineker, who became connected to Jonty through his marriage to his first wife, Michelle, has not yet publicly commented on the tragic passing. However, the sad news first became known last month when two of Lineker’s sons, George and Tobias, shared touching tributes on social media.
George, 31, posted an emotional Instagram story with a childhood photo of himself and Jonty, captioned: “One of the nicest boys you’ll meet, taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.” Tobias, 28, also shared a tribute, posting a picture of Jonty as a smiling child with the words: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”
The tragic accident has left a void in the hearts of Jonty’s family, friends, and community, who continue to remember him as a kind and joyful young man.