A TRAIN driver has described how a man appeared to wave after “casually” walking out on the tracks in front of him.

In a statement read to Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, First Great Western employee Raymond Shirley said that Kyle Dawson, 20, lifted his hand “as if to wave and turned his back towards me”.

Oxford-born Mr Dawson, a barman from St Martin’s Street, Wallingford, died instantly at Cholsey Railway Station on the morning of October 30 last year after being hit by the train travelling at 110mph to London Paddington.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter recorded that his death was caused by severe multiple injuries.

His two sisters, as well as six other family and friends, attended the emotional inquest.

Mr Shirley, an experienced train driver of 34 years, told the hearing through a statement, that Mr Dawson “casually walked from the platform”.

The train, which was travelling from Great Malvern, had stopped at Didcot Railway Station and had picked up speed again.

Mr Salter told Mr Dawson’s family and friends: “I would like to express my condolences for the loss of Kyle at such a young age and in such tragic circumstances.”

The court heard there was not much evidence or history of depression or other mental health issues, although he had spoken to his mother about taking his own life.

Mr Salter said: “We have direct evidence from the train driver about what he observed in terms of those final seconds resulting in Kyle’s death.”

The coroner recorded a verdict that Mr Dawson took his own life.