Football Community Mourns Loss of Talented Teenager
The family of a 14-year-old boy described as having an 'infectious and mischievous smile' have paid an emotional tribute, stating they will 'miss him forever' after he was struck and killed by a train. Joshua Travis died on Wednesday evening shortly after 7pm on a railway line in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead. British Transport Police have confirmed they are not treating the incident as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
An Incredible Energy for Life
In a heartfelt statement released on behalf of his grieving family, Joshua was remembered as a vibrant and loving boy. 'Josh was a lad with an incredible energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give,' they said.
The family's statement continued, poignantly adding: 'He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill, and we will miss him forever.'
Football Clubs Unite in Grief
Joshua was quickly named locally as a talented young goalkeeper and a former academy player for Nottingham Forest. The news prompted an immediate and overwhelming outpouring of grief from the local football community.
Burton Joyce Football Club (BJFC), where the Travis family have been a longstanding part of the club, released a devastating statement. 'The whole BJFC family is absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Josh,' it read. 'Our hearts are with them during this unimaginable time.'
The club announced it would hold a minute's silence at all its games this weekend to remember Joshua and pay their deepest respects.
Similarly, Aspire Football Coaching, where Joshua played as an U15 goalkeeper, postponed all its weekend games. In their own tribute, they described him as a 'fantastic goalkeeper and a great character in the group.'
They added: 'Everybody who came across Josh described him as a pleasure to have around with his polite and funny nature. Josh made a real impact in his age group, both as a footballer but more importantly as a person and will be sorely missed at the club.'
