A 14-YEAR-OLD boy died after stepping in front of a train the day after a "liaison" with a female friend went viral around his school.
Tragic Matthew Brittan stepped on to rail tracks by a level crossing as he walked home from class, an inquest heard.
One day before his death the teen had an encounter with a female friend, which had sparked talk around his school.
The driver sounded his horn as Matthew stepped out onto the track but the boy was hit and died from multiple injuries.
Matthew died at 4.50pm on February 1 at the crossing near Weston Milton station in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
The 14-year-old was on his way home from Worle Community School when he stepped into the path of the train travelling from Taunton to Somerset.
Matthew left a note at home saying he "couldn't handle" the attention the "liaison" got him at school, but a coroner ruled he could not be sure the boy intended to take his life.
The note explained he had a relationship with a close female friend the day before the incident, which had gone viral around his school.
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British Transport Police coroner investigation officer John Wilson told Avon Coroner's Court: "He and a close personal female friend had a liaison the previous day which seems to have gone viral round the school.
"He couldn't handle the attention surrounding this."
Wilson added: "The driver saw a person approaching from the left hand side.
"To the driver's relief, he then moved back to a position of safety but then walked into the path of the train, looking directly at it.
"There was nothing the driver could do to stop the train at that distance."
Matthew died instantly and there was no evidence of any disease, self-harm or drugs or alcohol.
His family asked for a narrative conclusion after his dad Ivor provided evidence Matthew told his mum Fiona Sibley he would "see her later".
Recording a narrative conclusion, senior coroner Maria E Voison said: "Matthew Brittan stepped into the path of a moving train.
"I cannot be sure of his intention to take his own life."
In a tribute Matthew's family said: "Matthew was a kind, caring, thoughtful and loving son, brother and grandson, who will be deeply missed by us all, as well as his many friends."
Tributes flooded in for the popular schoolboy at the time of his death, with classmates leaving flowers at school.
One tribute read: "We miss you. You are still a knight of the round table. Hope you are in a better place now. Love Carrot Top, Joby, Mollie, Ellie, Georgia, Donna, Amber, Michael and Liv, The Round Table."
Friends also set up a tribute page on Facebook.
A post from Sky Durnin said: "Can't believe you're gone, sad to say goodbye. You're in a better place now. R.I.P Matt. Thoughts with family and friends. It's never easy losing a loved one. Stay strong."
Another post, left by Liam Hughes, said: "Words really can't describe the emotions and shock of your passing. Everyone cares and will care about you.
"I know you felt alone and most of us at some point do, but you shouldn't have to feel this way. I am truly upset when I think of all you went through and how no one noticed.
"May you rest in peace Matthew. I hope that wherever you are, you're feeling free. You'll be missed. Sweet dreams, Matthew. I hope we can meet again one day."
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