Friends of Matthew Campbell left stunned by train tragedy in Fenton
TRIBUTES were today being paid to a 21-year-old man who was struck and killed by a train at a railway junction.
Matthew Campbell died on Monday on a stretch of track near City Road, in Fenton.
The student, of Guildford Street, Shelton, had been studying film at Staffordshire University.
British Transport Police said the incident, which happened at around 3.30pm, was not being treated as suspicious.
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An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned by Margaret Jones, assistant deputy coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, on Thursday.
During a short hearing at Hartshill, Mrs Jones said a post-mortem examination revealed Matthew died from head injuries.
She formally released his body to allow a funeral to take place, and the inquest will be resumed at a later date.
Staff and students at Staffordshire University have been left shocked by the death of Matthew, who was originally from Bury St Edmunds.
Professor Michael Gunn, vice chancellor of the institution, said: "We are shocked and saddened by Matthew's death. He was a good and promising student who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. We are currently ensuring that those closest to him are given appropriate support.
"We are also working closely with our on campus police officer and British Transport Police to assist the investigation."
Housemate Ben Bostock, aged 20, of Guildford Street, Shelton, said: "He will be missed horribly. The house feels a lot emptier without him. He had a lot of friends. He was a good guy."
Friend Becky Hilton, aged 20, of Carlton Road, Shelton, said: "It's hard to talk about Matthew. He had a lot of friends on the course. He loved his music and making films."
Matthew's death is the latest of several recent fatalities on the city's railways. Five people died on a stretch of line near Barlaston last year.
Monday's incident brought Stoke station to a standstill, with many services being cancelled.
Comments
by Backdoored
Saturday, February 16 2013, 3:08PM
“.......poor lad. Like those who have gone before him on the railway lines -desperately feeling alone and that life seems pointless to carry on, whatever it was that troubled him.
I am told, that for every one who takes this way out -there are nine who think about it, but are lucky to find a way back, and live a full life.
RIP”