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WHY SAM?
Train death ‘bullied’ boy ‘left suicide note with phone code and names’ as school hint at ‘prank gone wrong’
TRAGIC Sam Connor reportedly gave pals a note containing two names and a code to unlock his mobile before he was hit by a train - as his school hints at a "prank gone wrong".
The 14-year-old died on Monday afternoon at Chertsey station in Surrey in front of 50 horrified classmates after being "bullied online" by trolls posting nasty comments.
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Sam had reportedly handed over his mobile phone and school bag to pals - as well as a scrap of paper understood to be a suicide note.
The letter is said to have contained two names, which haven't been made public, and the password to access his mobile.
A relative told : "There were just a couple of names and the code to his phone. He was a smart kid, you know. I think if anything went wrong he's put it in his phone and said, there you go.
"He handed the phone over and the password and also a couple of names, when he handed it to his friend. It doesn't bear thinking about."
'PRANK GONE WRONG'
The community has been left reeling from the tragedy - with devastated relatives and friends at a loss to understand his horrific death.
Some have questioned how "horrendous" the alleged bullying had been for him to lie down on the tracks and be hit by a train.
But a school source has hinted he may have got on the tracks as a prank as he was seen “joking and laughing” moments before.
The source told The Sun Online: "His friends are saying that this was a prank which went horribly, horribly wrong.
“He was seen laughing and joking with his mates on the platform before what happened.
“His friends who were with him at the time don’t believe that this was the outcome he necessarily wanted or intended to happen.
“A lot more will come out at the inquest I’m sure.”
DEATH 'NOT SUSPICIOUS'
British Transport Police today issued a statement saying his death "may have been a deliberate act".
Detective Inspector Darren Gough added: "First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sorrow for the family of Sam Connor. On Monday their lives were shattered by the dreadful news that he had died in truly tragic circumstances.
"This is an ongoing investigation, however our initial enquiries suggest that tragically, this may have been a deliberate act. Of course, our investigation is on going and we will provide our evidence to HM Coroner as part of an inquest into Sam’s death."
An inquest will be opened and adjourned into his death on Tuesday in Woking.
TRIBUTES FOR SAM
Tributes have poured in for Sam after his tragic death - with one pal describing him as "bright and popular".
Another revealed the teen was one of the "nicest and most charming" boys at a local breakdancing club.
He posted a photo of Sam on Facebook with his pals, writing: "Cannot not even think of an emotion to describe how I am right now apart from just heartbroken. No parent should ever have to bury their own child. The child should always bury the parents.
"The crying with happiness, the laughs, the dancing will never be the same without you. Rest in peace Sam you absolute legend.
"Breaking isn't going to be the same with you gone. Hope you're still dancing out there in the skies."
TRAGEDY ON THE TRACKS
As tributes to the teen came flooding in, Deborah Barrett, the first wife of Sam's dad, James, said: "It's horrible. You can't imagine, can you? I've just spoken to my middle one and she said he just lay down on the tracks.
"He was a sensitive little soul, a cute little thing who was into gaming. He was funny and sarcastic with a great sense of humour."
Breaking isn't going to be the same with you gone. Hope you're still dancing out there in the skies.
Devastated pal
Mum to Sam's three half-sisters, she added: "This is so horrible for the family. They loved him, they were all quite close.
"My youngest daughter rang me on Monday and told me what Sam had happened and said Sam had been bullied.
"It doesn't bear thinking about. It's awful.
"My girls have said there was stuff said online about Sam.
"Lots of children are bullied but this must have been horrendous.
"If Sam was being bullied at school, then why weren't the school doing anything?"
'BULLIED TO DEATH'
One of Sam's friends also said he was being bullied and would sit on his own in the playground at break time.
Despite multiple reports of bullying Salesian School have said they have no record of Sam being bullied.
More than 25 floral tributes have been left on the gates of the station as stunned well-wishers pay their respects.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
In the wake of the tragedy on Monday, a sweet shop worker said tearful children ran screaming into her store, which is opposite the station.
She said: "It was so sad. Children were running around crying and screaming.
“One young girl came in the shop in tears and was screaming ‘I’ve seen it all’.
“We looked out and saw the train on the platform and put two and two together.
“The kids on the platform didn’t know what to do.”
SOBBING PALS CALLED HIS NAME
Horrified witnesses also claimed sobbing pupils had called out Sam's name after he was struck by the train.
A school spokesman said they had "no record" of Sam being bullied and couldn't make any further comment.
Headteacher James Kibble said the school is "devastated" and it will be holding a series of assemblies to help students come to terms with the tragedy.
He wrote: "This is an incredibly difficult situation for everyone, but knowing the faith, compassion and strength of our school community, I am confident that we will work together to support one another.
"We would ask that our community joins together to remember the student and their family in their prayers at this incredibly sad time."
The annual sports day was due to take place on Tuesday but was cancelled after the tragedy. An educational psychologist and counsellors are on site to help the youngsters.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123
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