Man May Have 'Sacrificed' Life To Save Friend

An inquest into the death of a retired academic has been told he may have sacrificed his life to save a suicidal friend.

David Ashworth, 74, was hit by a high-speed train travelling through Chartham railway station in Kent last June as he jumped onto the tracks to save friend and bi-polar sufferer Ella Akehurst.

He had been trying unsuccessfully to push the suicidal Ms Akehurst out of the train's path. It is believed Dr Ashworth was himself hit as a result.

The inquest at Margate Magistrates' Court was told how the 10.22am Charing Cross to Ramsgate train carrying 41 passengers passed over Ms Akehurst and killed the father of two.

Recording a narrative verdict, assistant coroner James Dillon, said: "The evidence from British Transport Police is that, in attempting to assist Ms Akehurst, Dr Ashworth had placed himself in a perilous position.

"Presumably being unable to push her out of the path of the oncoming train, it is highly likely that he tried to position her so that she wouldn't suffer further injury.

"In so doing, he may have sacrificed the opportunity of getting himself out of harm's way and, as a result, was hit and killed by the train."

Dr Ashworth, a graduate from the University of Manchester who worked at the University of Kent until his retirement in 2003, has been nominated for a posthumous civilian gallantry award.

The former academic, who lived in Sturry near Canterbury, was described as a friend and "unofficial carer" of Ms Akehurst.

The inquest heard a statement from her to police officers which described how she and Dr Ashworth had gone back to her parents' home after a doctor's appointment on 16 June.

But, the statement said: "The next thing I know I was running down the road" with an urge to "jump from a height".

She was seen running shoeless down the road onto a footbridge where she jumped "without hesitation".

Witness Norman Vaughan-Cubitt saw the scene unfold while waiting at a manned level crossing.

His wife, Thelma, who was in the car with him sounded the horn and shouted to try to alert the signalman.

She told the inquest: "I was taken aback, shocked and horrified by what I had witnessed. I immediately sounded the car horn to try to get the signaller's attention."

She saw Dr Ashworth arrive in his car and rush towards the station.

After the incident, Ms Akehurst, who subsequently spent three months in hospital and was not at the inquest. said to another witness: "How's David? He was trying to help me."

Dr Ashworth died from multiple injuries.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.