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Dad, I love you: rail death boy's last words
Jack Lefley25.03.09
A FATHER told an inquest today of a last phone call from his 16-year-old son before he was electrocuted on a live rail line as he celebrated the new year.
Witnesses said gifted rugby player Sam Griffiths tripped and fell as he ran across the tracks as a prank at Burgess Hill station, West Sussex.
The Hurstpierpoint College student had spent the evening celebrating at a friend's house before later telephoning his father, Ian Griffiths, at about 12.30am on New Year's Day.
Mr Griffiths, a Guardian journalist, told the inquest at Haywards Heath: "It was clear that he was at one with himself. He said, 'Dad, I love you' and I said, 'Sam, I love you. Take care'. Those were my last words to him."
He ran across the tracks twice before slipping on the third crossing.
Verdict: misadventure.
Reader views (2)
Oh how those tender, vulnerable, heady teenage years have us parents on tenderhooks. Yet we must let live When the young feel so invincible. Oh, parental love looking on responding with hope, acceptance and bravely recalling our own youth. Father you you have done your best, don't blame yourself. All our lives are equally fragile.
Maxine. Wandsworth
- Maxine, Tooting
So dreadfully, tragically sad. Their last words to one another could not have been more poignant.
- Neil M., london uk,
