Young man tragically found dead on a railway line took his own life, a coroner has ruled

A young man tragically found dead on a railway line took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

Layton Lindley-Jones, who was 22, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after he was hit by a train close to Pemberton railway station in Wigan in March. An inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court heard a post-mortem examination found a cause of death to be multiple injuries.

The coroner referenced a recent 'gradual deterioration' in Layton's mental health and said evidence showed he had became 'more insular'. But police who launched an investigation said his shock death on March 15 this year came 'very much out of the blue' for his family.

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Layton's mother, Lyndsay Jones, said he was born in Billinge and studied at Wigan and Leigh College before leaving the college to find work.

In a statement read out at the inquest, she said her son struggled to find permanent employment and 'started to go into his shell and keep himself to himself'.

Ms Jones said all Layton wanted to do was to find work, but his confidence took a 'nose-dive' and he became more withdrawn and anxious, often staying in his bedroom. On the day of his death, she said he left home at lunchtime to see his father.

Ms Jones described her son as 'perfect' and said in the statement she couldn't understand his actions, saying she had 'so many questions'. "Layton had lost his confidence and I do not know why this was," she said. "All I can say is that he did not know where his life was going."

Northern train driver Craig Lynch was heading towards Pemberton railway station after departing Wigan North Western station. Giving evidence, he said the train was travelling at around 40mph. "It literally was seconds," said Mr Lynch. "I had no chance to stop."

Mr Lynch said there was usually a CCTV camera on the front of the train, but it wasn't working, and said the collision occurred around 400 to 500 yards from Pemberton station.

Leanne Callan, fatality manager at British Transport Police, agreed with coroner Stephen Teasdale that Layton, from Norley in Wigan, experienced a 'decline in his confidence' and 'became more insular'.

She said he wasn't known to the police or in engagement with any mental health services. Layton, the inquest heard, was reported missing the following day and wasn't carrying any identification.

Ms Callan said the family hadn't noticed anything of concern on his social media profiles and no note was left. She added: "This event was very much out of the blue. He has left the house to go and see his father. Nothing out of the ordinary - just a typical day. I do not know what his mindset was at the time."

Mr Teasdale sent his condolences to the family. Referencing Layton's mental health, he spoke of a 'gradual deterioration over a period of time' and said his mother was concerned about it and tried to persuade him to access support.

Mr Teasdale said: "I do find that he caused his own death by placing himself into the path of the oncoming train.

"There is no history of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Any train driver would not have been aware of his actions. He would have had a clear view of the oncoming train. He also would have been able to hear the train. I am satisfied that he intended the consequences of his actions."

Layton's parents did not attend the inquest hearing on Tuesday. Mr Teasdale recorded a verdict of suicide.