Matthew Truong, a 21-year-old trainee data analyst, died after being hit by a train near Ormskirk station in Lancashire. An inquest into his death was held at Preston Coroners' Court on Wednesday, October 14.
Matthew came home from his job at the council at around 5.30pm on June 3 this year. A couple of hours later, he told his mum he was going out for a walk. It was the last time she saw him.
Texts to a friend
Earlier that day, Matthew texted his best friend James and told him his application to join the Royal Air Force had been rejected. James knew his friend often experienced periods of low mood. He reassured Matthew while he was on his walk. A short time later, a further text made James worried. Matthew apologised to his friend and thanked him for his friendship.
By that point, James was extremely worried for Matthew's safety. He called the police but, sadly, not long after, heard there had been an incident on the railway line near Ormskirk station. Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquest details
Matthew's mum Katherine described how her son 'loved everything Star Wars'. She said he had close friends, including some he met working at a children's summer camp. When he was 17, Matthew was diagnosed with autism, the court heard. During the Covid pandemic, Matthew's mental health suffered and he felt isolated.
Matthew got a job with the council as a trainee data analyst, but didn't enjoy it and found the work overwhelming and stressful, it was said. He had dreams of joining the RAF and, despite his mum encouraging him to take his time and think, he submitted an application. When he heard he had been rejected, Matthew feared it was because of his mental health issues.
Reading parts of friend James' statement in court, Area Coroner Emma Mather said: "You met Matthew around two years ago. You remained in contact throughout that time."
"On the day [Matthew died] he told you he had been rejected by the RAF. He felt the rejection might have been related to his mental health history."
"You were aware that Matthew experienced periods of low mood so you made efforts throughout the day to keep in contact with him. He said he didn't require cheering up."
"I have seen the messages between you both and I can see how supportive you were. He was very lucky to have a friend like you."
"Matthew said he was going for a walk. Whilst he was out you continued texting and they seemed ordinary. Nothing caused you concern but then you received a message that was quite different in tone."
"It expressed some gratitude for your friendship. He didn't express any intention to harm himself but you interpreted that. You said he had no reason to apologise. You repeatedly attempted to contact him but you received no response so you contacted the police."
"You provided as much information as possible. You had his location. You could see he was in the vicinity of a railway line. You then found out later on that there had been an incident at the railway station."
Railway incident
A statement from British Transport Police described how the driver of a train, travelling between Ormskirk and Preston, was travelling at around 40 to 50mph when he saw a man wearing dark clothing 'emerge from the bushes'. When the driver saw Matthew, they hit the emergency brake, but it was too late. Matthew suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The inquest heard Network Rail carried out a review of the location after Matthew's death and has promised to prioritise 'upgraded fencing' to prevent trespassing on the line.
Returning a conclusion of suicide, Mrs Mather said it was 'very clear how much Matthew was loved'. Although she said it was 'regrettable' that his local GP surgery had failed to make a follow-up appointment after changing his anti-depressants, she said she was unable to find that contributed to his death.
"Matthew was a much-loved young man who was only 21 at the time of his death," the coroner said. "I can tell just how loved he was from the family and friends who cared about him who are here today. He seemed like a remarkable individual."
