Tributes paid to Reading Blue Coat teacher killed by train

Shocked colleagues have paid tribute to a 'passionate' languages teacher killed on a rail level crossing. 

Reading Blue Coat School teacher David Montague died when his Piaggio Scooter was struck by high speed Paddington to Taunton service at the Ufton Nervet rail crossing near Reading on Tuesday.

The 45-year-old had taught Spanish and French at the Sonning School for six years. The headteacher Michael Windsor said he would be warmly remembered by the school community.

“He will be remembered as a popular, well respected and hard working colleague who loved teaching,” said Mr Windsor.

“He showed exceptional commitment to the school, his subject and his students.”

The married father-of-two from Woodley was killed instantly when the silver motorcycle he was riding was struck on the half barrier level crossing at around lunchtime.

He was born in Canada and studied Spanish and linguistics in Ottawa before starting his teaching career at the Reading Girls School in Whitley. He led numerous Blue Coat student trips to Madrid and Barcelona.

“David was an enormous enthusiast for modern languages and loved sharing his expertise and passion with his pupils,” said Mr Windsor.

“David will be warmly remembered by the whole community at Blue Coat.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

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