Death of James Smith who was hit by a train at Wiggenhall St Germans ruled as suicide

A man took his own life in West Norfolk by stepping onto a railway track, an inquest heard.

James Smith (formerly Bishop), of HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland, died aged 32 at St Germans on April 24 this year after being struck by a train.

Police were called to the scene in the afternoon following reports of a casualty on the tracks between Lynn and Ely, which saw services suspended until the early evening.

The body was later confirmed as Mr Smith, a marine engineer.

His inquest was held today at Norfolk Coroner’s Court in Norwich, where area coroner Johanna Thompson came to the conclusion that it was suicide.

During a post-mortem, it was confirmed that Mr Smith suffered a “massive disruption to the body” following the impact.

Investigators who attended the scene saw clothing scattered on the lines and said there was “significant” damage to the coupling on the front of the train.

It is believed that Mr Smith was wearing headphones at the time. Car keys, as well as a smashed pair of glasses, were also found.

When officers searched his vehicle, they discovered a note of intent, which asked loved ones to remember him “at his best”.

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