A London school has honored the memory of a “kind and popular” student who tragically lost his life after being struck by a train on his way to school.
Jaiden Shehata, a Year 7 student, was involved in the fatal incident at a crossing near Kenley Station last Thursday around 8 a.m. He was on his way to Riddlesdown Collegiate in south Croydon, which closed the following day for a period of mourning.
The secondary school, located off Honister Heights, shared a heartfelt tribute on its website, describing Jaiden as a valued member of the school community. The tribute read: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jaiden Shehata, one of our students, who died on Thursday, January 23. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Principal Daniel Osborne also wrote to parents and guardians, expressing his “immense sadness” over Jaiden’s passing. He assured families that the school would support students and staff while planning ways to commemorate Jaiden’s life. “This tragedy will undoubtedly affect all of us. Please be assured that we will do our best to support everyone and move forward together as a community,” he wrote.
The British Transport Police (BTP) investigated the incident and determined it to be non-suspicious. A BTP spokesperson stated: “This incident has now been investigated and ruled as non-suspicious. Officers remain working with partner agencies to support the family at this time.”
On the morning of the incident, a BTP spokesperson reported: “Officers were called to the line near Kenley railway station at around 8 a.m. on January 23 following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, but sadly, the person was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries into the circumstances leading up to their death are ongoing.
