Pensioner in railway line tragedy in Codford named

A pensioner who was killed on a railway line near Warminster, while trying to rescue his dog, has been named.

Retired estate agent Michael Hardy, had only lived in Codford for a few weeks when the tragic accident happened on Wednesday at about 2.15pm.

The 71-year-old who had moved to the village with his wife from Wokingham, had parked his car at Sherrington Lane, Codford before taking his dog for a walk.

He had crossed Sherrington Lane crossing and is thought to have gone back on to the line to retrieve his dog when he was struck by the South West Trains 1.10pm Bristol Temple Meads to London Waterloo service, which was going at about 120mph.

Police officers from Warminster Police station were first at the incident followed by officers from British Transport Police who secured the scene.

An inquest is expected to be opened next week.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch are looking into the incident.

Tributes to level crossing victim Michael Hardy

Tributes have been paid to the founder of a Wokingham estate agents who died after being hit by a train while trying to save his dog.

Michael Hardy, 71, died at the Sherrington Lane level crossing near Warminster in Wiltshire on Wednesday, July 14.

He is thought to have crossed the line but gone back to retrieve his dog. The dog was also killed when the train struck.

Mr Hardy had only recently moved away from Wokingham to Codford with wife Anne to relax in their retirement, however still visited the borough on a regular basis.

He remained in close contact with his colleagues at Michael Hardy Estate Agents, which has a branch in Broad Street, Wokingham.

Mr Hardy founded Michael Hardy Estate Agents in 1985 having previously worked for Nicholas Estate Agents.

He stepped down from the firm when he retired.

On the day of Mr Hardy’s death, he had parked his car near the level crossing to take the dog for a walk.

Neal MacKenzie, managing director of Michael Hardy Estate Agents, said: “He was using an unmanned level crossing near his house whilst walking the dog.

“The dog became distressed on the crossing. Michael being Michael he was probably so busy trying to help the dog he didn’t hear or see the train. It killed both of them.

“Michael and I were business partners for some 10 years, mainly through the last recession. He still came in one day a week just to keep his hand in.

“I will miss him terribly because there was never a day when he didn’t make me at least smile but more probably laugh out loud.”

British Transport Police and paramedics attended the incident but Mr Hardy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The circumstances of his death are being investigated by police and an inquest will take place.