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Man killed by Tube train was secretary to Justice minister
Justin Davenport, Crime Editor9 Jun 2009
A man who died after being hit by a Tube train was a high-flying government civil servant.
Adam Rothapel was the private secretary to Ministry of Justice minister Bridget Prentice.
The 32-year-old died instantly after he was hit by a train at Finchley Road Underground station on 26 May.
He was struck by a northbound Jubilee line train during the morning rush hour.
British Transport Police say they are treating his death as non-suspicious and that no one else was involved.
Friends and colleagues of Mr Rothapel including Ms Prentice have paid tribute to him.
Speaking at his funeral in Newcastle Ms Prentice described Mr Rothapel as "one of the loveliest, most sensitive and intelligent people I have ever met".
She said: "Adam was a fantastic, fun, clever person who gave me the most sound advice and who I will miss terribly.
"He was a true public servant with a strong sense of justice and a fabulous sense of humour."
In a statement to the Standard today she added: "Adam was a great civil servant and his commitment to justice and fairness was obvious to all. I will miss him, not only as a great adviser but as a genuine friend."
Mr Rothapel lived in West Hampstead with his Australian-born fiancée Samantha Baden. They were due to be married in August.
The civil servant grew up in Newcastle and studied history at Manchester University before moving to London. He had worked for the justice minister for the past two years.
He had recently volunteered to be a governor at Hampstead School in West Hampstead.
Fellow governor Ed Fordham said: "Adam was a really good governor. He hadn't served very long but he was a really positive influence and had loads of ideas about what could help kids. You could sense his intelligence - a brain the size of a planet."
More than 219 friends have also paid tribute online in a site entitled Adam Rothapel Will Be Remembered.
They speak of his support for Newcastle United, his volunteer work for a Jewish charity and his humour.
An inquest has been opened and adjourned by St Pancras coroner, Dr Andrew Reid. A full inquest is due to be held next month.
At his funeral his family asked that instead of flowers donations should be made to the charities the National Association for Mental Health (Mind) and the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.
Reader views (1)
Isn't it a shame,why is it always the funny,sensitive compassionate caring types that are so often taken in such circumstances.maybe the answer to that is just that,because they are!
- Kev, London-UK, 09/06/2009 14:19
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