14-Year-Old Boy with ‘Incredible Energy for Life’ Killed After Being Struck by a Train in ‘Tragic’ Incident

A 14-year-old boy whose loved ones say he had “so much love to give” has died after being struck by a train in Nottinghamshire, a county in central England.

Officers from the British Transport Authority (BTA) responded to a report of a “casualty on the tracks” on Wednesday, Nov. 26, just after 7 p.m. local time, according to a media release from the agency.

Paramedics were called to the scene, but the boy — identified as Joshua Travis — was pronounced dead there, the BTA said. Authorities added that the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Joshua’s family shared a tribute through the BTA, writing, “Josh was a lad with an incredible energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give.”

They continued, “He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill, and we will miss him forever.”

Joshua had previously been part of the Nottingham Forest Academy football program. In a Facebook post on Nov. 28, the club honored the teenager.

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former academy goalkeeper Josh Travis. Our thoughts are with Josh’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” the statement read.

Local side Burton Joyce FC also paid tribute in a Facebook post on Nov. 29, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by the news.

“The whole BJFC family is absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Josh. The Travis family have been a huge part of our club for so many years, and our hearts are with them during this unimaginable time,” the club wrote.

They added that a moment of silence would be held at all of the club’s weekend games as a mark of respect for Joshua.

“Rest peacefully, Josh — you’ll always be part of our BJFC family,” the tribute concluded.

According to the BBC, Joshua’s friends and classmates gathered at the railway crossing on Friday, Nov. 28, to lay flowers and pay their respects.

Network Rail, the public body responsible for most of Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, requested — and was granted — an emergency closure of the crossing where the incident occurred, the outlet reported.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) also told the BBC that it will decide on any further action once it has gathered and reviewed evidence related to the tragedy.