Tragic football club stalwart '˜loved his job'

A BAR manager who died after he was hit by a train had intended to end his own life, an inquest heard.
Melvyn HockingMelvyn Hocking
Melvyn Hocking

Melvyn Hocking, 50, of Ridgeway Close, Southwick, died on May 27 last year, at Fishersgate railway station.

The inquest into his death was held at Centenary House, Durrington, last Wednesday.

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Karen Henderson, assistant coroner, said: “Although there was no note left, I am satisfied that Mr Hocking did wish to take his own life.”

CCTV footage showed Mr Hocking walking on to platform two at Fishersgate Station at 8.05am. The driver of the train which hit Mr Hocking said he approached the station travelling at 55mph and was not due to stop. He said he saw Mr Hocking ‘lunge’ in front of the train.

British Transport Police had confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Hocking had worked at Southwick Football Club’s bar for 30 years and was said to have loved his job.

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He worked seven days a week and had a close relationship with members of the football team – some of which he was due to go on holiday with just weeks after his death.

A statement from Mr Hocking’s brother, Brynley Hocking, also of Ridgeway Close, Southwick, said that his brother had been ‘quieter than normal’ at the weekend leading up to his death.

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