Tributes to rail horror boy and grandad
DEVASTATED friends have paid tribute to the tragic teenager who died alongside his grandad when a train hit their car at a level crossing.
Keen footballer Will Hallett, 15, was with Barry Hearnshaw, 72, on the way to a match on Saturday morning when the collision tore their motor in half.
Yesterday, Will’s parents Jilly and Bill visited the scene, where friends have left dozens of bouquets of flowers.
A schoolmate of Will’s said: “He was popular and friendly. He loved his football. Everyone knew Will.
“He was a lovely, friendly guy. We’re so upset. I can’t imagine what school is going to be like without him.”
Rail investigators are examining the scene of the crash near the village of Barns Green in Sussex.
And it emerged Will’s younger brother Henry was supposed to have been in the car too.
A friend said: “I think he was going to watch his brother play football but, for whatever reason, he didn’t go. Thank goodness.”
Chelsea fan Will played with Horsham Sparrows FC.
Fighting back tears, a friend said: “He always loved playing football. Everyone is devastated.”
No one in the train was injured in the smash at around 8.40am on Saturday.
A witness said the car “disintegrated” on impact.
A passenger said: “The train stopped suddenly and people started screaming.”
Another said: “There was wreckage everywhere and one half of the car burst into flames. The occupants didn’t stand a chance.”
A vigil was planned for Will and Barry last night.