Dad, I love you: rail death boy's last words

A FATHER told an inquest today of a last phone call from his 16-year-old son before he was electrocuted on a live rail line as he celebrated the new year.

Witnesses said gifted rugby player Sam Griffiths tripped and fell as he ran across the tracks as a prank at Burgess Hill station, West Sussex.

The Hurstpierpoint College student had spent the evening celebrating at a friend's house before later telephoning his father, Ian Griffiths, at about 12.30am on New Year's Day.

Mr Griffiths, a Guardian journalist, told the inquest at Haywards Heath: "It was clear that he was at one with himself. He said, 'Dad, I love you' and I said, 'Sam, I love you. Take care'. Those were my last words to him."

He ran across the tracks twice before slipping on the third crossing.

Verdict: misadventure.