Friends pay tribute to teen killed on rail track

1:45pm Friday 9th January 2009

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Friends of the Chiswick teenager who died on New Year’s Day paid their tributes as they gathered at a thanksgiving service yesterday.

During the ceremony at Hurstpierpoint College 20 close friends of Sam Griffiths shared their memories of the 16-year-old, who one described as “one of the most genuine and loving friends”.

A moving performance of Leonard Cohen’s song Hallelujah, by student Isabelle Harris, concluded the tributes.

Sam, who was a student at the West Sussex college, was electrocuted after it is believed he slipped and fell on to the live rail at Burgess Hill station, while out celebrating the new year with friends.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was declared dead on arrival at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Police believe his death may have been the result of a prank that went tragically wrong.

At the service Sam’s housemaster, Rob Shearman, spoke of Sam’s contagious "half full rather than half empty" approach to everything in life and of the enthusiasm with which he threw himself into every activity at the school.

His “ridiculously funny” performance in the school’s house play competition and his skill and love for rugby were just some of the memories shared throughout the ceremony.

Headteacher at the school Tim Manly said: “The service was a powerful and emotional tribute to a life full of joy and promise and laughter.

"As the chaplain concluded in his introduction Sam’s spirit will shine on; the pain will diminish but never the light.”

A funeral for family and close friends was due to take place this morning at St Michael and All Angels Church in Chiswick.