THE family of an ex-Nottingham Forest academy footballer have paid a heartbreaking tribute after the teen was struck by a train.
Joshua Travis, 14, tragically died following the horror incident on Wednesday in Nottinghamshire.
Emergency services raced to the line in Burton Joyce just after 7pm following reports of a casualty on the track, police said.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Josh was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
British Transport Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
His 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.
ZOO BOSS PROBE
London Zoo boss QUITS amid probe into ‘unacceptable workplace behaviour’
TRAFFIC CHAOS
Major crash on M1 sparks two-hour delays as air ambulance rushes to scene
“He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill, and we will miss him forever.”
Tributes have poured in for the late goalkeeper with Nottingham Forest saying they 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.”
They added: “Everybody that came across Josh described him as a pleasure to have around with his polite and funny nature.
“Josh made a real impact in his age group, both as a footballer but more importantly as a person and will be sorely missed at the club.”
The coaching organisation said they had decided to postpone all games this 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.”
Following his death, Network Rail said they had requested the emergency closure of Chestnut Grove crossing.
Mark Budden, Network Rail’s route director for the East Midlands told the BBC: “Our immediate thoughts are with the family and friends that have been affected by this tragic incident.
“Safety is our top priority and we are fully supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) as part of their ongoing inquiries.”
