Gary Lineker’s teenage nephew died after being crushed by a falling tree trunk, an inquest has heard.
Jonty Parkinson, 18, died after an incident on September 6 in Eaton Hastings, Oxfordshire in which he was struck in the abdomen by a falling tree trunk while working as a tree surgeon.
He was the nephew-in-law of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker from his marriage to his first wife Michelle.
Paying tribute to his cousin, George Lineker, 31, said he was “one of the nicest boys you’ll ever meet.”
Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also paid tribute to Jonty on Instagram, alongside a photo of him, writing: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”
A funeral was held for the 18-year-old on September 27.
A GoFundMe established to help “create a beautiful memorial” for Mr Parkinson has raised more than £32,000.
In a statement, the Parkinson family business, Sue Parkinson, a clothes wear shop, said on social media: “We are devastated to have to share the news that Jonty Parkinson - Bob’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.”
A inquest opened and adjourned last week at Oxford Coroner's Court. A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.