The family of an 11-year-old boy who was killed crossing rail tracks on the way to school have paid tribute to their ‘devoted and mischievous’ son and brother.
Jaiden Shehata, a year 7 pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate, was crossing the railway line at the Bourneview footpath crossing in Croydon when he was struck by a train on January 23 this year.
His dad Jozif Shehata described Jaiden as ‘incredible and mischievous, with a passion for life’.
He told Metro: ‘The most unforgettable thing about Jaiden was his spirit—his mischievous nature and that incredible, infectious smile.
‘Even when he was up to no good, even when you wanted to scold him, it was nearly impossible to keep a straight face.
‘He had a way of making everything feel lighter, of bringing joy even in the most unexpected moments.’
Jozif added his son, who was a ‘devoted’ Christian, loved spending time with his parents and brothers, and was ‘fiercely competitive’.
He said: ‘Jaiden loved playing Xbox on the weekends, especially Minecraft and FIFA with his brothers Reece and Jacob, and me.
‘Anyone who knew Jaiden knew about his love for food. He had an insatiable appetite and a deep appreciation for a good meal that Mum Naglaa had cooked—he truly enjoyed every bite.
‘Music was another passion of Jaiden’s, particularly hip-hop. He was especially fond of Eminem and often sat with his brother Reece in bed, excitedly sharing new songs he had discovered.
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‘Those moments weren’t just about music; they were about connection, about sharing a piece of what he loved with the people he cared about.
‘Rest in peace, Jaiden. We love you, and we will carry you with us always.’
He suffered fatal injuries in the crash with the train travelling at about 50mph at the crossing between Whyteleafe and Kenley.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), has opened an investigation into the collision.
A petition has since been launched to close the ‘dangerous crossing’ and replace it with a bridge or underpass.
The organiser wrote: ‘This hazardous crossing is directly responsible for the heart-rending grief and the unnecessary loss of precious lives.
‘The anguish of losing a child is something no parent should ever have to experience, especially due to an avoidable hazard like this.
‘The fatal incident involving the young boy should serve as a call to action for us all to prevent any more families from experiencing this pain.
‘Indifferent to the lurking danger, hundreds of school children, commuters, and locals use this crossing each day, gambling with their safety until it’s too late.
‘For the sake of public interest, the dangerous crossing needs to be permanently closed and replaced with a safer alternative. Close the cross, save lives.’
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