A Preventable Tragedy: The Death of Jaiden Shehata
An 11-year-old boy walking his regular route to school was tragically killed at a railway crossing in Croydon that local residents and his family insist was never safe to use. Jaiden Shehata, a Year 7 pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate, lost his life on January 23 this year at the Bourneview footpath crossing.
Described by his loved ones as a 'good Christian boy', Jaiden had shown his generous nature just days before his death by packing his prized Xbox to donate to an orphanage in Egypt. His parents, Jozif, a photographer, and Naglaa, a children's crisis worker, have seen their lives shattered by grief as they struggle to care for their two other sons, Richie and Reece.
A Mother's Unimaginable Grief
Naglaa recounted the moment she learned of the tragedy to Metro. 'I had just returned from a night shift when I was woken by two police officers at my door,' she said. 'I kept asking what was wrong, but they struggled to speak. Then they suddenly said, "Your son Jaiden is dead". I dropped to my knees and screamed. Everything after is a blur.'
The family has endured a gruelling investigation process, but one conviction remains clear in their minds: the crossing should never have been open to the public.
The Dangerous Crossing: A First-Hand Account
A visit to the site reveals a deeply concerning scene. The footpath leading to the tracks is steep, slippery, and obscured by trees and bushes, forcing pedestrians to grip a central railing for stability. Crucially, there are no warning lights to signal an approaching train, nor a painted line indicating a safe standing area.
To check for trains, one must emerge through a rickety gate directly onto the tracks. During a site visit, a train travelling at approximately 60mph suddenly passed mere metres away, with no audible warning or visible signal until it was dangerously close.
Jaiden's older brother, Reece, now 18, is officially recorded as one of the crossing's 'near misses' after he narrowly avoided being hit six years earlier. 'I remember feeling so shaken that I managed to stop just in time,' Reece recalled. 'And now a few years later, it has got my little brother.'
Their father, Jozif, visited the crossing the day after Jaiden's death. 'You can see how silently they move until they are right in front of you,' he said, having filmed trains passing. 'Train drivers were encouraged to sound horns, but it was up to them if they bothered.'
Disputed Findings and a Family's Fight for Answers
The official accident report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) concluded that Jaiden did not 'perceive the risk'. It stated that although the driver sounded the horn, Jaiden looked up but had no time to react. The report argued that the crossing's design did not adequately alert pedestrians to the danger.
However, the family strongly disputes this. They note that Jaiden's body was largely intact, with only the lower part of one leg severed, leading them to believe he was standing still, not stepping out recklessly. They also contest a key detail in the report, which listed his height as 158cm (5ft 2ins). 'I am just about 154 cm tall,' said brother Reece, 'and standing side-by-side with Jaiden, he would only come up to my nose.'
The bulk of the RAIB's recommendations placed the onus on young people and schools to be more aware of risks, with only a single suggestion for Network Rail to 'make the dangerous area more noticeable'.
A History of Warnings Ignored
David Holland, a neighbour who was one of the first on the scene, told Metro he heard 'an almighty thud' before calling emergency services. 'Poor kid didn't stand a chance,' he said.
David has campaigned for years to improve the crossing's safety. Correspondence shows he pleaded with Network Rail four years ago—after an adult died on the tracks in 2020—to slow trains to 30mph and paint safety lines. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) replied that a 'balance' was needed between safety measures and a 'useful train service', a response David called 'deeply upsetting'.
While the ORR mentioned 'serious thought' was being given to pedestrian warning lights over four years ago, none were installed before Jaiden's death. 'Network Rail need to be done for Corporate Manslaughter – simple as,' David stated. 'After Jaiden was killed – and I say killed – it took seven months for them to just close the crossing.'
Hoodie and Phone: A Narrative the Family Rejects
The family expressed devastation over media reports suggesting Jaiden was distracted by watching a film with his hood up. They clarify he had viewed a two-second Snapchat from a friend, which they say would not have impaired his awareness. His brother Richie explained, 'It would have just still been open on his phone as he went to cross.'
The detail about his hoodie is particularly painful for his mother, Naglaa, who insisted he wear it that cold, wet January morning. 'Now it is being used against him and us, with people online saying he was a thug,' she said. 'I will always regret sending him out with it on.'
What Happens Next?
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex route director for Network Rail, offered condolences: 'There are no words sufficient to express our sorrow after such a loss.' She confirmed the crossing has been temporarily closed and that miniature stop lights (MSLs) will be installed next month to provide a clear signal and warning sound.
A spokesperson for the RAIB stated they are 'deeply sorry' the family has concerns and will contact them to address the issues raised. The branch has issued three safety recommendations based on its investigation.
For Jaiden's family, the fight for accountability and meaningful change at dangerous crossings continues, a painful journey born from an unimaginable loss.
