Tributes paid to Sussex student electrocuted at Falmer station

Tributes have been paid to the 20-year-old University of Sussex student who was killed yesterday after being electrocuted by the live rail after taking a shortcut at Falmer Station.

Nicholas Howells, who was in his first year of an International Business degree, died after attempting to cross the railing line at around 4am on Wednesday 25th May 2011.

A statement from his family said: ”Nicholas was a fantastic son, brother and friend to many. He was deeply loved by those that knew him.

“He was an avid rugby player and was enjoying his time studying International business studies at Sussex University.

“At this time, the family and those that knew Nick would ask that they be given space and time and be allowed to grieve in peace.”

The Universities Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, added: “Everybody here was deeply saddened to hear of Nicholas’ death. Our thoughts are with his family and his friends.”

British Transport Police found the student with serious burn injuries on the tracks after receiving reports of a body on the line just before 4am. Paramedics attended the incident but Nicholas Howells was pronounced dead at the scene.

British Transport Police has described the incident as a tragic accident and has issued a warning of the dangers of attempting to cross live rails.

Inspector Gary Ancell, who is based in Brighton, said: ”At this stage this appears to have been a tragic accident which has seen a young man lose his life after coming into contact with the live rail.

“This is a sad reminder of the need to take care when near railway lines.

“The live third rail, which powers trains across the south, carries 750 volts of electricity and remains switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Posted by Joseph Lewis on May 26, 2011. Filed under Falmer,Featured,Sussex University. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry