Tributes paid to student hit by train (From Enfield Independent)

Tributes paid to Hertford Regional College student from Winchmore Hill in Enfield, Charlie Davis, killed by train in Cheshunt

5:32pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News By Hermione Wright

A student killed yesterday when he was struck by a train has been remembered as “well spoken and enthusiastic”.

William Davis, 16, from Winchmore Hill, who was widely known as Charlie, was pronounced dead at the scene after he was hit by the train at Cheshunt railway station in Hertfordshire at approximately 2.10pm.

Tributes are pouring in on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter to remember the teenager, who was studying national engineering at Hertford Regional College in Broxbourne.

Peter Bishop, Charlie’s engineering teacher, said: “Curiosity is the word that I would use to describe Charlie.

“He always questioned, and challenged, and showed tenacity when dealing with a task. 

"He had pleasant manner, with a hint of humour that was always present.”

Andy Forbes, principal at the college, said: “Charlie, as he liked to be called, was a polite, well spoken and enthusiastic student, who showed a particular interest in information technology and his engineering course at Hertford Regional College.

“The thoughts of the staff and students at Hertford Regional College are with the family at this difficult time.”

He said staff and students have been told about the “tragic event” and have received professional support from counsellors outside the college.

A Facebook tribute page set up earlier today to remember the student already has almost 200 members.

It describes Charlie, who studied at St. Paul's Church of England Primary School in Winchmore Hill, as a "down to earth", "intelligent" and "kind-hearted" boy who stole the heart of many people with his humour.

One user posted: “I only met Charlie once or twice... but he seemed like such a nice guy and looks like he was an incredibly great person and friend to everyone. R.I.P Charlie.”

Another said: “Never saw you show disrespect to anyone, and that's rare nowdays. Rest in peace brother.”

And another user said: “R.I.P Charlie Davis. It's so sad to see such a unique, warm hearted guy with a bright future to leave us.

"My thoughts and prayers for his family and close friends. God bless him.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said:  “BTP and Hertfordshire Constabulary officers attended the incident, which was reported to BTP at 2.10pm and is currently being treated as non-suspicious.

“Medics from east of England Ambulance Service also attended, but the boy, believed to be 16-years-old and from Winchmore Hill, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”