2 Boys Died After One Tried to Push the Other Out of the Way of Oncoming Train

Two 16-year-old boys tragically lost their lives after one attempted to save the other from an oncoming train at Poynton railway station in Cheshire, England, on July 3 of last year. A recent ruling by the senior coroner concluded that the boys’ deaths were a case of “misadventure,” with one of the teens reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The boys, identified as Jordan Everett and Joshua Myers, were discovered on the tracks after a series of chaotic events that unfolded shortly before the fatal accident. According to reports from the British Transport Police, both friends were pronounced dead at the scene.

Witness accounts reveal the circumstances leading to their demise. Jordan Everett, hailing from High Lane, attempted to “rugby tackle” Joshua Myers from Handforth out of harm’s way as a train approached at a speed of 110 mph. The pair had journeyed to the station by climbing over a gate after spending some time at a local skate park.

During the inquest, Jacqueline Devonish, the senior coroner for Cheshire, recounted disturbing details from the event. “Joshua was shouting he wanted to kill himself and he climbed down from the platform,” she testified. However, Devonish cautioned that there was no concrete evidence to suggest that Joshua intended to take his own life.

Despite Jordan’s noble intentions to save his friend, the coroner noted that “he could not have moved fast enough” given the rapid speed of the oncoming train. Earlier, it was determined that Joshua’s alcohol consumption had impaired his judgment, leading to impulsive behaviour that contributed to the tragic outcome.

A friend who was present during the incident shared harrowing recollections. He described how he and Jordan had shouted at Joshua to remain on the platform, and recalled the moment the train rounded the corner. “It was an accident because he did not know that the train was coming,” the friend remarked, highlighting the chaotic atmosphere as both boys met their tragic fate.

In a heartfelt statement, Nicola Everett, Jordan’s mother, emphasised the bravery displayed by her son in trying to save Joshua. “Jordan lost his life trying to save Joshua. His bravery should be known,” she asserted. “We are proud of our son, but devastated beyond belief.” According to her, Jordan’s selfless act occurred in the face of danger, demonstrating remarkable courage in a split-second decision.

Coroner Devonish acknowledged the desire of Jordan’s family for him to be recognised as a hero, affirming, “I know that you wanted him to be hailed as a hero for what he did. Well, he was a hero.” This sentiment resonated with those who knew Jordan, as many reflected on the profound impact of his actions.

Conversely, Jenny Myers, mother of Joshua, expressed deep frustration with the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. She lamented that her son felt “failed by every service he came into contact with.” Jenny insisted that Joshua did not wish to die and that he would have been terrified in his last moments. “He was a vulnerable child who needed help and we sought to get him that help,” she articulated, shedding light on the struggles Joshua faced prior to the incident.

In response to the tragedy, the conversation surrounding mental health support for young individuals has gained renewed urgency. The need for accessible and effective mental health resources remains crucial, particularly for adolescents struggling with emotional distress and substance use.

For anyone facing similar difficulties, supportive services are available. Organisations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offer assistance 24/7, providing vital help when it is needed most. The ongoing discussions around mental health and the tragic loss of these two friends exemplify the importance of community support and proactive measures in safeguarding the well-being of young people.

As the community mourns the loss of Jordan and Joshua, their families remain committed to raising awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking necessary help, ensuring that their memory serves as a catalyst for change and support.