Caring student's train track suicide tragedy

A bright and caring university student took his own life by laying on train tracks following a New Year's Eve night out in Burnley.
Liam Thompson. (S)Liam Thompson. (S)
Liam Thompson. (S)

Salford University student Liam Thompson (20) was hit by a train near to Hufling Lane on the morning of New Year’s Day after leaving detailed letters to his family, which included an apology to the train driver.

An inquest at Burnley Coroner’s Court heard how Liam’s family had previously had no indication of any problems he was having.

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His mother Trudie Thompson told the inquest her son had done well with his GCSEs, but was upset with his A-Level results.

She said: “Liam was in his second year at Salford University and enjoying his studies. He was enthusiastic about learning.”

Liam had been living at home in Lionel Street and travelling in to university every day.

East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor said that Liam’s letters to his family detailed exactly what he planned to do and that he had tried twice before to take his own life.

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His mother said his apology exonerating the train driver summed him up because he was a kind-hearted person.

Sgt Peter Wilcock, from the British Transport Police, said Liam had been spotted on CCTV at Burnley Manchester Road Station on the morning of New Year’s Day.

He said: “Liam was found near to a level crossing. Accessibility onto the line is very easy. Investigations heard from a friend of Liam’s who had seen him at 5am and described him as looking happy.”

Coroner Mr Taylor, recording a conclusion of suicide, said: “Liam’s intentions are sadly extremely clear in the lengthy notes he left behind including the method with which he intended to die.

“He was for some reason, known only to himself, unhappy. This didn’t manifest itself in day to day dealings with his family. He was a well-loved person.”

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