Accountant who stepped in front of train was in a '˜confused state' after suffering a stroke, inquest hears

Ashley Goodchild, 45, who worked for Luton Borough Council, died after being struck by a train at Leighton Buzzard Railway Station at 6.40am on July 29 last year.

An inquest held in Ampthill yesterday heard that prior to his death Mr Goodchild, of Cedars Way, Linslade, had shown no signs of suicidal tendancies.

However the 45-year-old was in ill health, having previously suffered a stroke which kept him off work for six months.

Mr Goodchild’s wife Michelle told the inquest that she believes this heavily impacted on her husband’s emotional state of mind.

The inquest heard that the 45-year-old had begun to display unusual behaviour and that he would “giggle and laugh for no reason”.

British Transport Police rail fatality investigator Paul Simmons told the inquest that no suicide notes or electronic messages were found after Mr Goodchild’s death.

Footage from CCTV cameras at the station showed the accountant step out in front of a fast moving train, moments before it passed.

Assistant coroner Ian Pears recorded an open conclusion. He said: “Sadly it appeared deliberate and timed, there were no suspicious circumstances.

“I am not satisfied he intended to die, I cannot be sure about it.”

Mrs Goodchild told the inquest that her husband was a ‘lovely person’.

She said: “We had a lot of plans to downsize the house and his car.

“He would surprise me and would shower me with flowers each time he was paid.”