Schools mourn railway death of sixth form student

Floral tribute at Hipperholme railway accident.

Milena Gagic, 16, who was a sixth form student at Crossley Heath School in Halifax and a former pupil at Brighouse High, was killed close to Hipperholme tunnel just after 12.30am.

Wendy Moffat, head teacher at Crossley Heath, said: “We are devastated by hearing the news of the tragic death of one of our students at the weekend.

“Milena was a wonderful, bright, talented girl who had a great future ahead of her.

“Milena was so excited to be studying for A-levels at Crossley Heath and she made a really positive impression upon everyone who taught her.

“She will be missed so much by her friends and the whole school community here and at Brighouse High, where she attended up to Year 11.

“Our thoughts, best wishes and sympathy are with Milena’s family right now.

“We are so desperately sorry for their loss and will do everything we can to support them through this.”

As a mark of respect, Brighouse High School postponed its senior awards evening last night (Wednesday).

Head teacher Liz Cresswell said that Milena was due to receive an award.

A special assembly was held in Milena’s honour at the school this morning (Friday).

People have also taken to social media to pay their respects.

Meanwhile, British Transport Police has confirmed it is not treating Milena’s death as suspicious and is currently providing her family with support.

A BTP spokesperson said: “Our officers were called to the line close to Hipperholme tunnel, Halifax, just after 12.30am on Saturday, December 13, following reports that a person had been struck by a train.

“Colleagues from West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service also attended. Sadly a 16-year-old girl, from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The girl’s family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.”

An inquest examining the circumstances surrounding Milena’s death was opened and adjourned in Halifax on Thursday. A postmortem examination was carried out earlier this week.