An inquest has heard the harrowing circumstances surrounding the death of 15-year-old Roxy Phillips, who was electrocuted on a railway line in Weymouth, Dorset. The teenager, who enjoyed horse riding and competing, was walking home along the track in the early hours of 23 March 2023 when she came into contact with the live rail. The focus key phrase for this article is Roxy Phillips railway inquest.
Roxy’s mother, Kerri Walker, told the inquest she received a call from a friend of her daughter who said Roxy had fallen on the tracks and was not breathing. When she arrived at the scene, paramedics were attempting to revive her. “I was frozen and watching in horror,” Ms Walker said. She described seeing a white sheet being placed over her daughter.
The inquest heard that Roxy’s mental health had deteriorated following the death of a favourite horse in an accident. Her mother said she had sought help from child social services, but there were delays in receiving support. Roxy had previously taken an overdose in March 2023 and had been hospitalised. The day before her death, she was due to appear in court on charges of assaulting paramedics and police, although the case was adjourned.
On the night of the incident, Dorset Police received a 999 call just before 01:00 GMT reporting that two people had walked onto the railway line at Weymouth station. Power was switched off and officers attended the scene, but they reported they could not see or hear anyone on the track and no further search was carried out. Power was restored to the line just under half an hour later. Twenty-four minutes after power was switched back on, Roxy’s friend called emergency services again to report that she had fallen on the electrified tracks.
Analysis of Roxy’s blood revealed she had been severely intoxicated and had taken cannabis at the time of her death. The incident occurred near Redlands Sports Centre as Roxy and her friend walked from the town centre towards Upwey. Senior Dorset coroner Rachel Griffin said the inquest will focus on the searches conducted following the initial report of trespassers and the decision to re-electrify the railway line.
The tragic case highlights the vulnerabilities of teenagers struggling with mental health issues and substance use. Roxy Phillips railway inquest is expected to last around two-and-a-half weeks, during which the jury will examine how the response to the initial reports and the management of the railway line may have contributed to the fatal incident.
The case has already drawn attention to the need for timely support for at-risk young people and the procedures in place for ensuring safety on electrified railway lines. Roxy’s family and friends remember her as a horse lover with a passion for riding and competing, and the inquest is likely to examine both systemic and personal factors leading up to the tragedy.
