Young Mother Tragically Killed At Wimbledon Station Identified


23-year-old Charlene Pickering was described by her family as the "light of our lives"

Police officers were called to Wimbledon railway station on Sunday (January 8) after a woman was struck by a train.

A spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said:
"BTP and Metropolitan Police officers attended the incident, which was reported at 7.31pm and is being treated as non-suspicious. 
London Ambulance Service paramedics also attended but the woman, Charlene Pickering, aged 23, and from Walton-on-Thames, was pronounced dead at the scene."

Chief Inspector Alison Evans said: "We believe at this stage that Charlene went onto the tracks to retrieve her mobile phone before being struck by the train.  This appears to have been a tragic accident and our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this very difficult and sad time for them.”

In a statement issued through British Transport Police, Charlene Pickering’s family said: 

"Our world has been shattered by the tragedy that occurred on Sunday. Charlene was the light of our lives and with her infectious smile she brightened the world of all who knew her.

"She is survived by her 4-year-old son Toby, who will fortunately have the support of his loving father Owen and his many family and friends to help him through this traumatic time.

"We wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the messages of sympathy and support at this sad time and respectfully ask for privacy whilst we come to terms with the devastating reality that our darling Charlene is gone."

A file will be prepared for the coroner.  The train involved was the 7.15pm London Waterloo to Exeter service.

January 11, 2012

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Charlene Pickering

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