Diane MacDonald, above, was powerless to prevent a collision after her ex stepped on to the track in front of the train she was driving on one of Britain’s most scenic rail routes. Mr Wells died instantly as he was hit by the train.
Gary Wells, 36, was said to be broken up when Miss MacDonald split from him three weeks ago after a long term relationship that lasted 8 years.
Miss MacDonald, 29, the first woman train driver on the West Highland Line in Scotland, was left so distressed that she required sedation after the tragedy, which happened at Inverlochy, near Fort William, on Tuesday morning.
Miss MacDonald became the first female train driver on the West Highland Line – and the youngest qualified driver working for First ScotRail – in 2009.
She started her railway career when she was 19, working part-time at Fort William station, then became a conductor on the West Highland Line, working out of Mallaig, before applying to become a driver. At the time, she said:
‘I’m excited and proud to have qualified as a train driver. The training was intense but worth it. ‘The West Highland Line is one of the best routes to work because of the amazing scenery.’
Mr Wells had been in a long-term relationship with Miss MacDonald but friends said their relationship ended around three weeks ago. Sources said the break-up had left Mr Wells struggling to cope.
Last night, a school friend told how Mr Wells was a devoted father whose weekends were spent with his son Lewis, who was from a previous relationship. The friend, who did not wish to be named, said:
‘Gary was a nice guy. He and Diane were like peas in a pod. They were together for eight or nine years and split up a few weeks ago. I can’t believe he did this. I heard Diane had to be sedated.
‘It’s so sad. He loved spending time with his son Lewis. His weekends were devoted to him.’
Mr Wells is thought to have been working at a local engineering company and had previously worked some evenings and weekends as a pub bouncer.
His family was too distressed yesterday to talk about what happened. In a statement, Miss MacDonald said last night:
‘The circumstances are extremely upsetting for everyone involved. We would ask the media to please respect our privacy while we come to terms with what has happened.’
British Transport Police confirmed they are investigating the incident. A spokesman said:
‘We were called to a rail crossing in Inverlochy, Fort William, shortly before 8am on Tuesday, August 19, to a report that a man had been struck by a train. Colleagues from Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service also attended, but a 36-year-old man from the Fort William area was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘His death is currently not being treated as suspicious. The man’s family have been informed. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.’
No one was available for comment last night at MacPherson Welding and Engineering in Fort William, where Mr Wells is understood to have worked.
Via - Daily Mail
Wow oh Lord..that's really sad for both families. It's really amazing the lengths these people go because their hearts got broken..a few therapies and once she is healed she would move on with her life,,but for him that's the end of the story..sad.
ReplyDeleteI feel so sorry for this woman. Would she ever be able to wipe the visuals from her mind? People should be able to end a relationship without being punished for it. I'm sure this choice of suicide was particularly to punish her for leaving him; so that she'll forever carry the burden of his death on her shoulders. I pray someday soon she'll be able to move past this.
ReplyDeleteMay the soul of the heart broken find peace.