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Train spotter's death on railway was accident, inquest heard

Railway enthusiast Sebastian D'Costa was killed after he was hit by a train, a coroner heard today.

Mr D'Costa, 79, a bachelor, died from multiple injuries when he was struck 250 yards from the platform of Langley railway station at about 8.40pm on April 10 this year. Although his red walking stick, shopping bag, and a note giving his name and address were found next to the body there was no suicide note.

Mr D'Costa, who suffered from dementia and had been reported missing from home on previous occasions, lived in sheltered accommodation at Seymour House, St Mary's Road, Langley.

Coroner Peter Bedford said there was no evidence to show that Mr D'Costa was depressed or had threatened to take his own life, and there was no evidence that he had walked in front of the train.

Mr Bedford said it appeared likely that Mr D'Costa, who had always taken a keen interest in trains, had suffered a 'glancing blow' from the train.

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.