Horsham man who was struck by train '˜died far too young'

A man from Horsham who was struck by a train last year '˜died far too young', his mother has said.

An inquest into the death of 22-year-old Anthony Ransom, of Birches Road, was held in Horsham today (Tuesday April 12).

During the inquest, the coroner’s officer read a statement on behalf of his mother Catrina Ransom, who described Anthony as a ‘loving son, brother and uncle’.

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The statement read: “Anthony loved spending time with the family and his two nieces. He enjoyed Christmas, it was his favourite time of the year.

“He was a loving son, brother and uncle who had health problems from an early age.

“He died far too young and is deeply and sadly missed by all the family. He will be remembered, loved and missed forever.”

Anthony was also described as a ‘colourful character’ who enjoyed spending time outdoors, postcard collecting and model railways.

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The inquest heard that he suffered from emotional behaviour disorder, which made it hard for him to show his emotions, as well as seizures and ADHD.

His body was found near a railway crossing in Faygate on November 26, the inquest heard.

Candace Wright, fatality investigator for British Transport Police, explained that a paper boy found a ringing mobile phone at the railway crossing at about 7am.

He left the phone on a stile, but realised it was still there while on his way home.

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Ms Wright said: “It was a lighter morning by then. He looked down the tracks and noticed what he thought was a body.

“He got to the bus stop and contacted his mother who is a Sussex Police officer.”

Officers attended the scene where Anthony’s body was discovered.

Ms Wright told the inquest that a suicide note was found at his home, and police were aware that he had previously threatened to take his own life.

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A post mortem revealed the cause of death to be multiple injuries.

West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield said: “It appears Anthony was struck by a train and as a result he suffered multiple injuries that caused his death.

“Clearly he had things troubling him which led him to take this decision.

“You (his family) had some great times and I hope that is the memory you hold of Anthony, rather than the tragic circumstances of his death.”

She concluded that he took his own life.

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