Coroner hopes for better education on railway dangers after teen’s death in Windsor

An inquest into the death of a young man near a Windsor station has heard there is ‘hope’ that better education about the dangers of electrified railways will prevent future tragedies.

Theodore Read, known as Theo, died after coming into contact with a 750-volt third rail used to power trains on the line from Windsor & Eton Riverside station on August 31, 2024.

The 18-year-old was the second young person to be killed by the third rail near Windsor & Eton station in just months, following the death of teenager Oliver Holyoake in May that year.

At the conclusion of the inquest into Theo’s death in Reading Coroner’s Court today (December 17), coroner Hannah Godfrey said there was ‘public ignorance’ about electric railway dangers.

However, she said changes to the national curriculum designed to improve youngsters’ knowledge about the risks of electrified railways offered an opportunity to stop more deaths.

Electric rails (pictured centre) carry a lethal current

Two tragedies ‘in the same place’

Theo walked onto the train tracks near Windsor & Eton Riverside station after a night out in the town, at around 4am on Saturday, August 31.

Ms Godfrey told the inquest: “It was dark, there are plenty of trip hazards - not least the railway tracks themselves - and it is also known high voltage electricity can jump or arch out across a gap to a person.”

Theo’s body was spotted by the driver of the first train from Windsor station at around 6am on August 31. He was found on the tracks in the same location as Oliver’s body, the inquest heard.

Ms Godfrey said: “I note another young man trespassing onto the railway line a few months earlier through a different access point to Theo, had been fatally electrocuted at the same spot that Theo was seen.”

Ms Godfrey ruled his death as electrocution by misadventure, but said his intention for going onto the tracks was ‘difficult to determine’.

Theo lived with mental health problems and had thoughts of taking his own life, the inquest heard. At the time of his death, he was receiving treatment through the mental health support services.

Ms Godfrey said: “I find it likely that Theo was drunk, curious, impulsive and reckless when he walked onto the railway tracks…

“I find it’s possible that, in that context, he additionally had, as he had on many previous occasions, an impulsive suicidal ideation…

“However, even if I thought - which I don’t - that the evidence [heard over the three-day inquest] supports any genuine suicidal ideation around this time.

“I would not be persuaded on the evidence that Theo would probably have maintained that state of intention for over 90 minutes until the train was running.”

The inquest took place at Reading Coroner's Court

‘Public ignorance’ of the dangers

The electric third rail carries a strong 750-volt current which is used to run trains on selected routes, including those on the line from Windsor and Eton Riverside.

It is a thin strip of metal next to to one of the two main tracks.

Network Rail, the company manages railway infrastructure across the country, says the United Kingdom has the world’s largest third rail network.

But surveys have shown that more than 50 per cent of people do not know about it or its risks.

Network Rail’s operations manager for the Wessex Route Thomas Desmond, spoke about the third rail danger during inquest proceedings.

Ms Godfrey told the inquest she was ‘pleased’ with national curriculum changes to bring in mandatory railway safety lessons for school children, rolled out from September 2026. 

She added: “I was also pleased to see much larger, brighter, clearer signs being put up across the [railway] network warning of the significant hazard the live rail poses at all times.

“I have taken note of the reassurance given in public by Mr Desmond from Network Rail, that the rolling programme related to those signs is related to putting up as many as they can.”

“I hope, of course, that these most recent mitigation measures, along with the already existing mitigation measures set out [at the inquest] will improve the worrying level of public ignorance of the risk.”

‘Cherished memories’

Ms Godfrey described Theo as a young person who ‘had many delightful qualities, including warmth, a sense of humour and a dry wit’.

She added: “I can see that he touched many hearts in his young life and he will be very much missed.”

Addressing Theo’s family and friends, many of whom were at the inquest, she said: “I can’t imagine how difficult it’s been for you to all to navigate complicated inquest proceedings amidst your grief.”

“And I admire the persistence and determination you’ve all shown in appearing at these proceedings and pressing your questions.

“I hope that you are now able to put the proceedings behind you and instead return to the many happy memories of Theo I know you all have and cherish.”

After the inquest, a statement from Mr Desmond, and on behalf of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said: “Every death on the railway is a tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and friends of both Theo and Oliver.

"There are no words sufficient to express our sorrow after such a devastating loss.

 “We recognise the coroner’s comments about the vital role education plays in preventing future tragedies.

"As an industry, Network Rail and South Western Railway are committed to further strengthening our work with schools, young people and communities to reinforce the very real dangers of the third rail.

 “We welcome the fact that rail safety education is to be made compulsory learning on the English national curriculum from September 2026.

"Age-appropriate rail safety resources for children and young people from ages three to 16 is available through our relaunched Switched On rail safety website, which is freely available to teachers, parents and anyone involved in educating young people about railway safety.”

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