A TALENTED young footballer’s friend desperately tried to grab his hand to pull him to safety seconds before he was hit by a train and killed, it has been revealed.
Ex-Nottingham Forest academy goalkeeper Joshua Travis, 14, tragically died following the horror incident last week in Nottinghamshire.
Emergency services raced to the line in Burton Joyce just after 7pm following reports of a casualty on the track, police said.
But despite the best efforts of paramedics, Josh was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Now, it has been revealed that Josh’s friend had bravely tried to pull him back moments before the sickening collision.
A local man who lives close to where the tragedy occurred told the Mail: “Josh was with a mate who tried to drag him out of the way when the train approached, he tried to save him but sadly he couldn’t.
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“It was a terrible, terrible accident.”
The man, who lives in the village, added: “Many people know Josh and his family. He has an elder brother.
“It is a dreadful shock and our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, the friend who was with Josh during his last moments said that the former Forest academy player was not wearing headphones when the tragedy took place.
Speaking about Josh he said: “I was with him at the time, it was just us, and we were walking and talking.
“He had headphones with him but they were in his pocket, he wasn’t wearing them.”
Josh’s family paid a heartbreaking tribute in a statement which read: “Josh was a lad with an incredibly energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give.
“He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill, and we will miss him forever.”
Heartbreaking tributes from the football world also poured in for the late goalkeeper, with Forest saying they were “deeply saddened” by the youngster’s passing.
The Reds said on Instagram: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former academy goalkeeper Josh Travis.
“Our thoughts are with Josh’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Floral tributes and touching messages have also been left at the Chestnut Grove footpath level crossing which has now been closed to the public.
Aspire Football Coaching posted their own emotional tribute on Facebook.
They said: “With the blessing of his parents, everybody at Aspire FC is devastated to post surrounding the passing of our U15 goalkeeper Josh Travis.
“Josh was a fantastic goalkeeper and a great character in the group.”
The coaching organisation said they had decided to postpone all games on the weekend out of respect.
And they passed on their “sincere condolences” to the teen’s loved ones.
Burton Joyce Football Club also posted a tribute saying the “whole BJFC family is absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Josh”.
It added: “The Travis family have been a huge part of our club for so many years, and our hearts are with them during this unimaginable time.
“We will be holding a minute’s silence at all games this weekend to remember Josh and to pay our deepest respects.
“Rest peacefully, Josh – you’ll always be part of our BJFC family.”
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