Tributes have been paid to a "bubbly" Nottingham dad who stepped in front of a train. Luke Davies, from Lenton, tragically died after the collision between Castle Bridge Road and Wilford Road near Nottingham Railway Station on May 9 last year.
The 31-year-old electrician, who played for football teams across Nottingham, was loved by many, his family said. "The hundreds of people who have come forward over this past year to offer support to those Luke loved has shown true amazement and reflection of the type of man Luke was and how much he meant to so many," said his wife, Kerry.
"He is forever a part of us all.” An inquest into Mr Davies' death, held at Nottingham Council House on Monday, March 13, heard he had intentionally jumped in front of a train shortly after it departed the station.
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Dilwyn Lewis, a fatality investigator for the British Transport Police, said: "The train was just departing Nottingham Railway Station and was travelling at 40mph, it was a relatively short distance from the station."
He said the driver saw Mr Davies just before the collision and it all happened in a "matter of seconds", adding that there was no evidence of suspicious circumstances or third party involvement. Mr Davies had not been prescribed medication and had no history of mental health problems recorded by his GP, the hearing was told.
Tests found no alcohol or drugs in his system. Mr Lewis said holes were found in nearby wire fencing that could have afforded access to the railway line for Mr Davies.
Assistant coroner Beth Brown told the hearing Network Rail had replaced the fencing with a stronger material. Addressing Mr Davies' family members in court, which included his mother, siblings and mother-in-law, she said: "From what I have read he was a happy, caring and loving son, brother, husband and dad.
"It came as a huge shock to all those who knew him." His death was recorded as suicide.
Speaking after the hearing, a family member of Mr Davies said: "He was always bubbly and had a laugh and a joke. "He was well known, you don't know by how much until the funeral.
"We had two rooms and there were still people outside, there were so many people. He was a brilliant dad. Luke will be forever loved and missed by his wife, children and family."
One of the football teams Mr Davies played for, Wollaton FC, paid tribute to him after his death. "Wollaton FC are truly saddened to announce the death of Luke Davies aka Thorpy," they said in a statement last May.
"Luke was leading goalscorer last year for Res & had been playing for the 1sts this season. Our thoughts & sympathy are with his family & friends at this sad time. RIP Thorpy."
Nottinghamshire FA added: Another big loss to the football family. All at Nottinghamshire FA send their condolences to Luke's family, friends, club and team mates."
Samaritans are there for you. If a railway incident has affected you or someone you know, visit samaritans.org/railsupport. If you'd like to talk things through, Samaritans are there to listen. Call 116 123 for free day or night.
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