Tragic Train Incident Claims Lives of Two Teenagers in Cheshire
An inquest has revealed the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the deaths of two 16-year-old boys who were struck by an inter-city train near Poynton station in Cheshire. Joshua Myers and Jordan Everett died instantly on July 3 last year when an Avanti West Coast service traveling at approximately 111 miles per hour hit them on the railway line.
Desperate Attempt to Save a Friend
The coroner's court heard that Joshua Myers, who was on bail over a sexual assault allegation and described as heavily intoxicated after drinking vodka, had scaled a fence and entered the railway tracks while shouting about wanting to kill himself. His friend Jordan Everett, who had been in a good mood earlier that evening, followed him onto the tracks in a desperate rescue attempt.
Witnesses told police that Jordan screamed at Joshua to move and attempted to rugby tackle him to safety. Tragically, at that moment, the lights of a Manchester-bound express train appeared around the corner. The train driver, Bryan Holt, stated that both teenagers appeared desperate to get out of the way, but it was too late for him to stop the train.
Coroner's Findings and Family Tributes
Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish recorded a conclusion of misadventure for Joshua Myers, noting that despite his repeated threats of suicide, there was no evidence he intended to take his own life. She described his actions as impulsive, fueled by alcohol consumption and various stresses in his life, including being a victim of bullying and his recent arrest.
Following the tragedy, Joshua's parents paid tribute to their "bright and kind" son, describing him as social, energetic, and naturally clever. They expressed that their hearts had been broken and the world seemed incomplete without him. Jordan's family remembered him as a cherished son, grandson, and brother, highlighting his caring and thoughtful nature.
Background of Struggles and Failed Interventions
The inquest heard detailed accounts of Joshua's struggles beginning after he started high school. His parents reported that he completely changed after moving to a different friendship group, becoming miserable and beginning to regularly go missing while drinking alcohol and taking drugs with friends.
Despite being moved to Wilmslow High School where he performed well in his GCSEs, Joshua continued associating with the same group of friends who regularly talked about suicide. His mother, Jenny Myers, testified that suicidal statements were thrown about casually within this group, as if they didn't mean anything.
Multiple attempts to secure help included involvement from social services and appointments with child adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). However, clinical psychologist Dr. Lesley Doyle noted that while doctors had assessed Joshua as impulsive and aware of his self-harming behavior, his suicidal thoughts were deemed fleeting. Medical professionals concluded he did not have a diagnosable mental health condition.
Escalating Difficulties Before the Tragedy
The situation deteriorated significantly when Joshua was arrested after a teenage girl made allegations against him. His mother described an incident where she flagged down a police car while driving her distressed son home, only to witness an officer throw him against a fence. She stated, "He was treated like an animal."
After being bailed, Joshua refused to return to school due to being hounded on social media. The family had to install a protective letter box at their Handforth home after receiving threats and spent time staying in hotels for safety. In May 2025, Joshua admitted to his GP that he had been using ketamine, cannabis, ecstasy, and MDMA while drinking heavily.
Dr. Megan Davey noted it was clear he was struggling and sometimes felt suicidal when substances were involved. He was referred back to CAMHS but placed on a waiting list. Joshua's mother acknowledged her son could be impulsive and revealed he had previously been found behaving erratically beside train tracks.
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
A friend who witnessed the tragedy after managing to get off the tracks in time described seeing the train hit both boys before running away screaming. Another friend recalled that Joshua often talked about killing himself when drunk, saying he hated his life and wanted to end it but was too scared to go through with it.
Inspector Clare Miles of Cheshire Police described CCTV footage showing Jordan trying to push Joshua out of the train's path, but it was tragically too late. The train driver was too traumatized to attend the inquest, so his statement was read by the coroner.
Coroner Devonish concluded that Joshua had begun drinking heavily to drown out everything happening in his life. She told his parents she believed he had received appropriate help from the NHS and social services, but despite all interventions, they couldn't find a way to support him effectively.
Jordan Everett's inquest will be heard separately at the same court. Floral tributes left near Poynton Station included messages reading "Two young boys and friends gone too soon will be sorely missed by all," reflecting the community's grief over this double tragedy.
