A teenage tree surgeon with a close connection to a famous former England footballer died after being struck by a falling tree in Oxfordshire, an inquest has heard.

Jonty Parkinson, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Cirencester, died on Friday, September 6 in Eaton Hastings. 

The inquest was opened by senior coroner Darren Salter at Oxford Coroner's Court on Wednesday, September 25. 

According to national reports, Mr Parkinson, 18, was the nephew-in-law of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker from his marriage to his first wife Michelle.

The Daily Mail reported that George Lineker, 31, posted an Instagram story- which has since been taken down - featuring a picture of himself with Jonty as a youngster with a caption.

This was alongside 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 Lineker, 28, also posted a boyhood picture of Jonty smiling with a message, saying: 'Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”

A Gofundme page has been set up for Mr Parkinson's family and has raised more than £30,000. 

The inquest heard that Mr Parkinson was working as a tree surgeon when he was struck by a falling tree.

Following a post-mortem, his cause of death was given as a crush injury to the abdomen. 

A date for the full inquest is yet to be confirmed. 

This article originally appeared in our sister title, the Oxford Mail.