Tribute to boy killed on level crossing in south London

The family of an 11 year old who was killed on a level crossing in south London have issued a tribute to him

Jaiden Shehata was walking to school when the accident happened at about 8.03am on January 23 at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley, south London, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said.

In a statement his family say they are shattered by his death.

“We are absolutely devastated at the loss of our son.

"Jaiden loved to spread happiness and always had a smile on his face.

"He was always thoughtful and kind hearted. He found such joy in helping people.

"He was a talented footballer and keen Chelsea Supporter.

"Jaiden’s other passion was for his faith and Church. He had been a Deacon since the age of four years old and this made me so incredibly proud.

"Jaiden was the most kind hearted and caring boy, and his death has left us all completely shattered. We are lost in our grief.”

The RAIB said the accident happened because he did not perceive the risk associated with the train, probably because he was "distracted" by his phone.

Investigators said CCTV footage shows Jaiden walking towards the crossing, looking ahead and down at a "glowing object" almost certain to be the illuminated screen of a phone in his hands, with his coat hood pulled over his head.

Analysis of his phone suggests a video clip was playing at the time of the accident.

The RAIB said he had regularly used the crossing as his route to and from school since starting there the previous September.

The site does not have warning lights or barriers, which the RAIB said is "in common with many footpath crossings".

Users are expected to stop, look and listen for approaching trains, and "make their own decision about whether or not it is safe to cross", investigators said.

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