A 28-year-old man who was tragically killed after being hit by a train in Lake last year was wearing headphones when he stepped out onto the crossing, despite warning signs about such danger, an inquest has heard.
Levi James Mulholland was on his way home on the evening of 15th May last year when he was struck by an Island Line train at the Los Altos Park crossing in Lake. The train driver gave off several whistles as a warning but was unable to stop the Shanklin to Ryde train in time.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance doctors, Levi’s head and chest injuries were just too severe and he died at the scene.
Levi’s death was the first on the railway since 1996.
An inquest held in Newport this week heard how the 28-year-old, of Medeway in Lake, was playing loud music through his headphones as he crossed the railway track. On top of this, he had cannabis in his system and witnesses stated that he didn’t look both ways before walking across the line.
The popular pedestrian crossing was regularly used by Levi who would have walked past the ‘no headphones’ warning sign many times over the years. That said, Mr Mulholland was travelling from Los Altos Park towards The Fairway at the time of the incident where no signs were visible. A sign has since been erected.
Investigations carried out by the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch concluded the train, nor its driver, were at fault.
Coroner Caroline Sumeray recorded death by misadventure, satisfied that Mr Mulholland did not intentionally step out to end his life.
hope the driver is able to come to terms with this and move on.
Even if there are no signs out, it’s common sense not to wear headphones while crossing. You don’t put your hand in the fire either though there’s no sign. I hope the driver will get through this.