Grandfather killed on Devon railway line

An 84-year-old grandfather left his home in Exeter and walked into the path of an oncoming train near Topsham railway station, an inquest has heard. James Robb, a divorced and a retired builder, was seen emerging from bushes at the side of the railway tracks by the train driver just after 1pm on June 4, 2024.

Although the driver had previously already reduced his speed to 30mph, he told in statement how he was unable to avoid stopping the train in time.

He said: "I fully believe it was a deliberate act given the way male waited in bushes for the next approaching train and entered onto tracks very close by."

The inquest at Exeter Coroner’s Court today, November 14, heard James, who born in Rothesay in the Isle of Bute, Scotland, had suffered from depression and anxiety for many years and had shared suicidal thoughts in the past, but not recently.

In a statement, his daughter Sara told how he had experienced 'many highs and lows' throughout his life and walked with a stick due to arthritis. She recalled he and her mother had enjoyed an evening meal together that day before his death and he has seemed to be in 'good spirits'.

She added he had recently been having memory issues but the inquest heard he had declined further investigations into it by medical professionals.

Sara concluded that she and her family believed his death was a 'deliberate act' because he had left his watch at home, which he was was said to never leave the house without, and had left the door unlocked and had intentionally left out paperwork.

The medical cause of death was severe injuries to head and chest due to a railway accident. Following, James's death, a post-incident site investigation was carried out by British Transport Police. It concluded that where the incident occurred there was a lack of fencing along one part of the track.

Assistant coroner Luisa Nicholson confirmed she would be issuing a Prevent of Future Deaths report due to concerns about future deaths arising.

She said: "While I am of the opinion that if someone was determined enough to find their way on to a railway track they would do so whatever, I will never the less write a report to the site owner, Network Rail, and although I can't make recommendations to what action they should take, I will raise as a matter pf concern a lack of fencing on the wing wall which consequently allows access to the track."

Recording as conclusion of suicide, Ms Nicholson said: "It appears James had some history of mental health issues, including previous suicidal ideations, although I can't see anything in the evidence to explain why he took the actions he did that day."

She concluded: "I am satisfied James has taken steps to end his life and appears to have deliberately intended to do so as evidenced by walking in front on an approaching train."

Shatter the Silence

The DevonLive Shatter the Silence campaign aims to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and talk - to either a friend, relative, charity or a professional. Our campaign content will highlight just how important talking is and the difference it can make.

Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people who die by suicide in Devon. We will highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people come through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to look at the lasting impact of suicide and attempt to dismiss the inaccurate belief many people who are struggling manifest that they are a burden on the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they have considered taking their own life.

We will speak to people who have survived a suicide attempt and have accessed counselling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We will speak to Samaritans volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they are on hand 24-7 to listen. And we will offer guidance on what to say to someone who is struggling so people feel more confident to have that conversation.

Do you have a relevant story to share? Email emma.slee@reachplc.com.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

SAMARITANS offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email support or by calling 116 123 for free 24 hours a day

NHS Offers advice on how to access mental health support

TALKWORKS is a free-to-access NHS service offering a variety of treatment and support for adults (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)

CALM offer a free, confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life's problems

HUB OF HOPE is a mental health support database that can signpost you to local support services

ANDY'S MAN CLUB offers men a chance to talk with like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally

KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support, including moderated peer support forums and text-based counselling, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)

PETE'S DRAGONS provide free-to-access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives

THE MOORINGS is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support via a drop-in service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support that is tailored to the people who access it.

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