thefab444 - RIP

[Railguy220]

Too young. R.I.P

 

[Bittern]

I don't think I ever traded a sentence with the guy, but that doesn't make this any less of a shock. It's not often I hear of fellow members on a forum I'm active with passing away.

But damn, 19? That's just...unspeakable. Rest in peace.

The poor guy's final post was the day before. That shows just how quick it was, doesn't it?

 

[richw]

I don't think I ever traded a sentence with the guy, but that doesn't make this any less of a shock. It's not often I hear of fellow members on a forum I'm active with passing away.

But damn, 19? That's just...unspeakable. Rest in peace.

The poor guy's final post was the day before. That shows just how quick it was, doesn't it?

indeed very sad, he was last on line the evening he passed away.

 

[46100ROYALSCOT]

R.I.P, my condolences go out to his family and friends. Sadly I never knew John

 

[455driver]

I am shocked that John has passed away (and only 18), I never met him but from his posting style I would have said he was much older.

Thoughts to his family and friends at this difficult time.
I will raise a toast (only coffee I am afraid) the next time I drive 444018, sleep well mate you will be sadly missed.

 

[Juniper Driver]

I am shocked that John has passed away (and only 18), I never met him but from his posting style I would have said he was much older.

Thoughts to his family and friends at this difficult time.
I will raise a toast (only tea I am afraid) the next time I drive 444018, sleep well mate you will be sadly missed.

Same here and congrats with your signature....455's are good little trains.

 

[Prodigy]

Wow such a shame. Didn't see much of the guys posting as I'm fairly new around here but it seems from what others have said he was a very active member of the forum. Very sad he passed away just before he was about to begin a new chapter in life.

 

[Techniquest]

Just got on a short time ago and saw this thread by chance (a section of the forum I don't often look in) and was shocked. Very saddening to hear of a fellow enthusiast passing, and although I never met the gentleman, we are all brothers of the same hobby so it is most unfortunate to lose such a young chap. As others have said, he posted in a style that would befit an older member and knew a lot on his chosen subject.

I too will be raising a toast, also coffee, RIP John.

 

[sonic2009]

I never knew John personally but maybe some time next year? we could arrange a meet of something he enjoyed doing? maybe someone knew him more? if you understand a dedication to him etc. ?

just an idea.

 

[Yew]

I never knew John personally but maybe some time next year? we could arrange a meet of something he enjoyed doing? maybe someone knew him more? if you understand a dedication to him etc. ?

just an idea.

Maybe travel on the last line he went on?

 

[Greenback]

I never knew John personally but maybe some time next year? we could arrange a meet of something he enjoyed doing? maybe someone knew him more? if you understand a dedication to him etc. ?

just an idea.

I think that is a good idea sonic.

 

[Crimson_Quiff]

19... that's no age at all.

Although I never knew him, I am saddened by the news.


Rest in peace, Chief.

 

[Kneedown]

Terribly sad news, and so young too.
Sincere condolences to all family and friends.

Rest in Peace mate,

Kneedown.

 

[Lrd]

Really sad to see this.

RIP John.

 

[merlodlliw]

Have only just noticed this thread, I was aware of his passing, and had many a banter with him over Wrexham, it got heated at times,he certainly had a way with with comments
Sorry to see a fellow rail fan pass away at such a young age


Bob

 

[richw]

just come across a tribute page on facebook if it interests anyone https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/RIP-John-Slatter/216718948390909?sk=wall&filter=12

 

[455driver]

I will raise a toast (only coffee I am afraid) the next time I drive 444018,

Toast duly made today!

 

[dcd]

Just found this in his local paper

SLATTER JOHN Suddenly and tragically on Thursday 22nd September. Will always be missed by Stephen and Christine and sadly missed by all the Slatter and Emm Families. Find peace. ---------- Donations in his memory payable to Talylln Railway Preservation Society may be sent c/o F.W.House & Sons, Funeral Directors, Lymington, SO41 9NE.

 

[dcd]

Unfortunately we don't know the full circumstances of his passing - so out of respect to John and his family, it would be appreciated if questions about it or speculation can be avoided please.

Circumstances are now known see inquest report at http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9425528.Mystery_death_of_teen/

MYSTERY surrounds why a young “helpful, kind and humorous” Hampshire man took his own life by stepping in front of a train travelling at 80mph.

Straight-A student and railway enthusiast John Slatter was killed instantly at Ashurst station in the New Forest, just a few hundred yards from his home.

His shocked parents and friends were left asking why a promising teenager could not face living any longer.

Mum Christine told the Daily Echo that 18-year-old John, her only child, had showed no signs of depression although, like many teenagers, he could be withdrawn.

She said: “We did not think it would happen. He was an introvert in a lot of ways. He went through phases. Sometimes he was outgoing but in the past couple of years since he was at Brockenhurst College he was quite introverted and did not socialise.”

Christine and husband Stephen now face their first Christmas without John and will miss a thoughtful youngster with his deadpan humour and strong political convictions.

She said: “It seems so tragic because he could have gone on and achieved such good things.”

John, who went to Hounsdown School in Totton before Brockenhurst College, gained Alevels in history, politics and computing, getting three grade As. He was just about to go to the University of Southampton to study history when he committed suicide in September.

Christine said: “He thought he may stay in academia and become a history lecturer.”

Outside his shining career as a student he had a passion for railways and trains, and would keep in contact with a group of enthusiasts on online forums.

This enthusiasm was sparked by childhood family holidays to Wales, when he discovered the world of steam engines thanks to Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, which he supported.

At an inquest into his death yesterday, Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict that John killed himself but said his motive was a mystery. He had not left a note.

The court heard that tests found that he had not been drinking or taking drugs.

John was seen on CCTV entering the station on the day of his death – Thursday, September 22 – at 8.23pm.

The inquest heard how the driver of the 7.59pm Bournemouth to London Waterloo train had been travelling through the station at 80mph when he saw the youngster standing motionless in the track facing the train and bracing himself for impact.

Mr Wiseman said there had been opportunity for him to get out of the way if had wished to do so.

The next day his parents reported him missing.

Later they identified him on the railway CCTV pictures.

 

[tbtc]

I will raise a toast (only coffee I am afraid) the next time I drive 444018

Toast duly made today!

Nice touch that