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Farmer and dog killed in train crash at level crossing

Philip Case 14 February 2017
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A farmer and his dog were killed on a level crossing after their Land Rover was hit by a train travelling at 50mph.

Colin Cameron, 60, suffered multiple injuries and died following the incident in Frampton Mansell, Gloucestershire, on Tuesday (7 February). 

It has since emerged that Network Rail raised safety concerns about the unmanned level crossing last year.

See also: How farmers can reduce risk on train level crossings

Married father-of-two Mr Cameron was the second person to die at the crossing in recent years. Motorcyclist Paul Martin, 37, from Stroud, died in May 2014 when his trail bike was hit by a train at the level crossing.

Mr Cameron was one of the founder members of Stroudco Food Hub, a not-for-profit community organisation which brings together a range of locally produced artisan food and drink.

Passion for farming

Nick Weir, of Stroudco, said he was struggling to come to terms with the loss of a dear friend and neighbour.

“He was a very important part of our local community – a mutual friend described him as ‘a tall oak in the forest of our community’,” Mr Weir told Gloucestershire Live.

“He was incredibly generous with his time and resources, providing not just a supply of wholesome, delicious food but also a source of advice, wisdom and a wonderful, infectious sense of humour.”

Colin Cameron

© British Transport Police

Mr Cameron was passionate about his farming and he believed in producing the highest quality food while maintaining the utmost respect for the animals in his care.

“He was a pillar of strength through the long, slow process of setting up the food hub,” said Mr Weir.

“His belief in our aims of building a fairer, more sustainable food system helped keep us going through the dark days.

“His perseverance was inspirational – I remember him sitting through the long evening meetings every month in the early days of setting up Stroudco.

“He had been up every day from 5am and he was struggling to stay awake as our meetings dragged on to 10pm and even 11pm.

“As we slowly come to terms with the loss of such a great man, I am deeply touched by the outpouring of grief, love and sadness from the community that Colin did so much to build around him and his family.

“Although there is nothing we can do to fill the gap left in his beautiful family, I hope that they can take some comfort from the huge amount of goodwill that so many local people are expressing in many different ways.”

Following the incident, officers have been speaking to witnesses and specialist search teams were called to the scene to try and establish the circumstances which led to Mr Cameron’s death. Chief Inspector John Angell, of Gloucestershire Police, said:

“We continue to appeal for anyone who saw what happened, or feels they may have any information which would be relevant to our investigation, to contact us.”

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 reference 311 of 07/02 or text 61016.

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