Warning issued months before level crossing death

Josh Travis died after being hit by a train on Wednesday

Network Rail warned months before the death of a 14-year-old boy that leaving a footpath level crossing open posed a "very real risk of a serious incident", documents show.

Josh Travis died after being struck by a train in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, on Wednesday.

Network Rail had applied to Nottinghamshire County Council in March to close the Chestnut Grove level crossing on safety grounds, with a consultation launched by the council on 25 November - a day before Josh died.

Nottinghamshire County Council has been contacted for comment.

The teenager's death is not being treated as suspicious and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said it was conducting a "preliminary examination" into the incident.

Tributes, including dozens of floral messages, have since been left at the level crossing.

Network Rail added on Thursday that the council had agreed to an emergency closure of the footpath, which would initially be in place for 21 days.

Tributes have been left near the scene where Josh died

A document submitted as part of the application from Network Rail to the council said there was a "very real risk of a serious incident at Chestnut Grove level crossing if it remains open".

The report confirmed that, as of March 2025, there had been 19 near misses at the crossing since 2020.

It added that a near miss in this instance was an event in which the train driver had to apply the emergency brake for fear of hitting a person who was crossing.

"Misuse occurs on a daily basis and it is only a matter of time before a person is hit at the crossing," it stated.

The report detailed that Network Rail had submitted "repeated applications" to Nottinghamshire County Council to temporarily stop the public right of way over the crossing to remove the risk to users while permanent solutions were explored.

Mark Budden, Network Rail's route director, East Midlands, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends affected by this tragic incident.

"Safety is our top priority, and we are supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in its inquiries.

"The level crossing is a public right of way, and Network Rail does not have the legal powers to close it – that decision rests with the local highways authority and needs a formal application and public consultation.

"We submitted an application in spring this year to close the level crossing on safety grounds, and the council had recently launched a public consultation for this."

Nottingham Forest and Brighton players wore black armbands for their match on Sunday

Nottingham Forest paid tribute to Josh, a former academy player, before their game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, while his school described his death as "a tragic loss".

Carlton le Willows Academy said he "was an integral part of our school community", adding it will be paying its own tribute to him "in the coming days".

"His absence will be felt deeply by his friends and by all of us," it said.

"This news has been very upsetting for our school community and professional support will be available for any student who needs it, now or in the coming days and weeks.

"We have seen the many tributes that have already been placed in the community, which is a testament to how much Josh meant to those around him."

In a statement shared by British Transport Police, Josh's family said: "Josh was a lad with an incredible energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give.

"He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill, and we will miss him forever."