A DAD-OF-TWO and teacher killed after a train smashed into his van at a level crossing has been pictured as his heartbroken family pay tribute.
Emergency services descended on a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, at 3.18pm on August 29 following reports of a collision on the tracks.
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British Transport Police attended the scene alongside ambulance and fire crews where a man was found to be inside the vehicle.
Despite the best efforts of emergency paramedics, the driver of the van – Simon Gettings, aged 55 – was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His loved ones paid a heartbreaking tribute to Simon today, saying he was a “devoted husband, a loving father of two, and a much-loved member of our family“.
In a statement, they said: “His family meant everything to him, and he was at the centre of our world, someone we could always turn to, rely on, and share life’s happiest moments with.
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“The love Simon had for his wife and children was at the heart of everything he did, and the bond he shared with them was truly special.
“As an only child, Simon had recently cared for both his mother and father through dementia until their passing.
“Simon was a well-known and valued member of his community in Southport, where he was known as an incredible neighbour and friend.”
They added Simon was also a “hugely accomplished and respected teacher” in Southport, Liverpool and Blackpool and “went the extra mile again and again”.
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“The impact of his loss will be felt by the countless families he supported and advocated for over the years. After 25 years in teaching, he took early retirement so he could spend more time with his family,” they continued.
“Simon was a keen reader, with a wide knowledge across multiple topics. His sense of humour was unmatched, as were his sense of justice and humanity.
“Simon’s tragic and untimely death has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
“Words cannot fully express the pain of losing someone so deeply loved, but his memory will live on through his children, the love he gave so freely, and the countless cherished moments his family shared with him.
“He will be missed more than words can say, and the love Simon had for his family, and the love they will always have for him, will remain with them forever.”
Police said at the time that two people, who were passengers on the Northern train, had also received treatment for minor injuries.
Images from the scene showed a train stopped on the tracks with emergency services flooding the scene.
Other pictures show visible damage to the front of the train with glass and debris scattered inside the carriage.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said today: “A man who died following a tragic incident at a level crossing in Lancashire has been named as his family pay tribute to him.
“British Transport Police (BTP) officers were called to a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, following reports at 3.18pm on Saturday August 29 that a train had struck a van.
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“Paramedics and the fire service also attended.
“The driver of the van – Simon Gettings, aged 55 – was very sadly pronounce dead at the scene.”