A 16-year-old boy has been hailed as a hero after he died trying to save his friend from being hit by a train at Poynton railway station in Cheshire. Joshua Myers and Jordan Everett both lost their lives on July 3 last year when they were struck by an Avanti train travelling at 110mph.
An inquest heard that Jordan attempted to 'rugby tackle' Joshua off the tracks after he climbed down onto the live rail, shouting that he wanted to kill himself. A third friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told police: 'Jordan was trying to save him. I know he was. Them two did everything together. They died together as well.'
Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish recorded a conclusion of misadventure for Joshua and accident for Jordan. Addressing Jordan's family, she said: 'I know that you wanted him to be hailed as a hero for what he did. Well he was a hero.'
The inquest heard that both teenagers had been drinking alcohol, including vodka, and taking drugs. They had also been referred for specialist mental health support. Joshua was described as 'quite p*****' and was saying he was going to kill himself, but the friend believed it was not with intent.
Train driver Bryan Holt said he applied the emergency brakes but 'the rest of it was over in a split-second'. He saw two figures try to move in opposite directions before the impact. Jordan's mother, Nicola Everett, said: 'Jordan lost his life trying to save Joshua. His bravery should be known. We are proud of our son, but devastated beyond belief.'
Jordan, from High Lane, Stockport, was about to start an engineering course and wanted to become a commercial pilot. His father, Paul Everett, said: 'He grew into a caring, sociable young man with a wide circle of friends. He always put others before himself.'
