Teen remembered after train death

Devastated family and friends have paid tribute to a Victorian teenager killed yesterday when he was hit by a train as he attempted to cross railway tracks.

Jamie Golden, 13, was at Riddells Creek train station, about 50km north of Melbourne, when he was hit by an express train bound for Bendigo about 2pm (AEDT) on Sunday.

A year seven student at Kyneton College, classmates today remembered him as a popular pupil
with a 'cheeky attitude'.

Principal Mark Ridgeway said he believed Jamie's death was due to bad judgement.

"He was actually trying to cross from the Melbourne side of the train station to the Bendigo side in the belief that it was his train that was coming in," he said.

He said staff and pupils had been offered counselling in the wake of the tragedy.

As the investigation continued into the exact circumstances of the teenager's death, his family and friends took to a special Facebook page to share their grief.

Jamie's sister, Jessica, told of her profound loss and how 'a split second decision had changed their lives forever'.

"Jamie it was only the other day that we were making plans to go to a concert. I cannot put into words how gutted I am," she wrote.

"Sure we had our fights and our fair shares of ups and downs but you were my brother. You were as loyal as hell to me, covered my back many times and stood up for me always.

"It almost feels wrong writing this, you were so young, far too young and the split second decision has changed our lives for forever."

More than 200 people have joined the page in memory of the year seven Kyneton Secondary College student.

A friend wrote: "Everyone will be going to sleep with you on their minds and in their hearts tonight, and many nights to come.

"No one deserves to have such a tragic end to a such a short life. I hope you are in peace and happiness now."

Another said: "It's so scary to know that I saw you only three days ago and now never again. We had our fights and disagreements, but that doesn't mean I didn't and don't care, gone but never forgotten!"

Inspector Neil Cheney said it appeared the boy was attempting to change platforms and may have misjudged the speed at which the train was travelling.

"When they're coming at you it's hard to judge the speed and I suspect that may have been a factor," Insp Cheney said.

"It's just a terrible event all round."

Flowers and heartfelt messages had been left at the train station on Monday morning.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Help is still being offered to the train driver with V Line services operating as normal.