THE heartbroken husband of a woman who died after being hit by a train has described her as a “devoted mother” and “everyone's friend”.
Mother-of-two Lynette Rawles, aged 61, of Church Street, Mark, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision at Highbridge and Burnham station on Friday morning.
British Transport Police confirmed the incident was not being treated as suspicious.
Mrs Rawles' husband of 41 years, Alan, has paid this week paid tribute to the former secretary of Mark College.
He told the Weekly News: “Lynette was a devoted mother and everyone, particularly our children Hannah, who is 30, and Simon, who is 34, is shocked and devastated.
“She was born and bred in Mark and was very popular and well loved - she was everyone's friend.
“She enjoyed flower arranging, swimming, walking and keeping fit, and was just a really nice person.
“Everyone is heartbroken and it's absolutely tragic but we are trying to remain positive.”
Sales manager Mr Rawles, 63, added the funeral would not take place until early August, as their daughter Hannah, who lives in London, is due to get married this Saturday.
He said: “We decided the wedding will still go ahead after a lot of discussion and all we can do is make the best of it.”
Julie Kay, principal at Mark College, said: “Everyone at Mark College is shocked and saddened by Lyn's death.
“She was a valued colleague and friend. All our thoughts and sympathies are with her family at this very sad time.”
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The Weekly News spoke to several people at the scene in the aftermath of the tragedy, which saw major travel disruption throughout the South-West as 14 trains were cancelled.
One woman, Nadine, was playing in the park with her young son Dennis while they waited for their train back to London.
She said: “We didn't realise what had happened at first - we had been staying here on holiday and this was really upsetting.”
Barmaid Shelley Woolacott, who works in the Coopers Arms next to the train station, said three women came into the pub crying and distressed.
She added: “They were heading back to Bristol and the youngest woman was only about 18 or 19 and she said she never wanted to come here again.”
Sam May, 18, who lives opposite the station, was walking past at the time and said she was shocked after discovering what had happened.
The station was closed for most of the day as British Transport Police carried out investigations.
The train involved was the 9.25am Plymouth to Aberdeen Crosscountry service, and the firm confirmed staff received “appropriate care” following the incident.
West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose said an inquest into Mrs Rawles' death was likely to open in the next few days.
OUR website was first to report the breaking news on Friday morning and provided regular updates throughout the rest of the day.
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