Aughton man who was grieving for his pet dog killed himself on train tracks
Jul 1 2010


by Gemma Jaleel, Ormskirk Advertiser

A GARDENER mourning the loss of his pet dog took his own life by laying in front of a train, an inquest heard.
Alan Webb, 65, had his German Shepherd named Sheba, for more than 12 years and was devastated when she passed away in May last year.
Mr Webb’s son, Ian, told the Advertiser: “We just can’t believe what’s happened.”
His wife Andrea added: “He had so many friends but he was so sad after Sheba died"
Mr Webb lived at retirement accommodation in Town Green, Aughton for just over six years and was well known in the community.
Glenys Clapcott, scheme manager, told the coroner: “Alan was a very private person, his house was immaculate and he had a special relationship with his dog.
“She went everywhere with him – she was human. He would take her to work with him. When she died he was devastated, he carried that dog home – put her in his van and buried her in the garden behind his flat.”
Glenys said she spoke to Alan a few months later and he told her he still hadn’t got over Sheba.
Mr Webb was also in regular contact with PCSO Gillian Reed. She told the inquest: “He would often come to visit me at the station which is on the railway track..“He was very helpful, I saw him most days. Sheba and Alan were absolute best friends. He was never without her.
“He would get her to speak to me and she would fetch his paper and slippers, she was very well trained.
“He was absolutely devastated and really upset when she died. He was thinking about getting another dog but he told me he couldn’t replace Sheba.
“One day, he called into the police station just to have a general chat and had said he was feeling particularly low. He said ‘I feel like ending it’ on the railway"
“If I thought for one minute there was something in it – I didn’t realise he was that depressed, he said it like it was a joke.”
The coroner also heard evidence from Alan Wissett, a Merseyrail train driver, who was too upset to appear in court.
In a statement he said he had left Ormskirk train station at 6.20am on February 16, stopping at Aughton Park before pulling off towards Liverpool.
Mr Wissett said he was travelling at 60mph and was about three quarters of the way from Town Green when he spotted a body faced down over the left hand track wearing a cloth cap, but there was no movement and there was no one else around.
Mr Wissett said he applied the emergency brake but had no time to sound the horn.
Mr Webb was identified by a note in his pocket with his name and address and next of kin’s contact details.
Deputy coroner Simon Jones concluded that there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his body at the time of his death and that Mr Webb had taken his own life.
http://www.osadvertiser.co.uk/news/ormskirk-news/2010/07/01/aughton-man-who-was-grieving-for-his-pet-dog-killed-himself-on-train-tracks-80904-26757972/2/

That is so so sad

omg .. the poor poor man, he was so desperate, he killed him self such a shame, at least he and his dog are together again

R.I.P alan and sheba

poor man and his poor family , but i can understand how he must have felt , it's such a great bond between dog and owner , r.i.p

oh that is so so sad RIP Alan and Sheba Xx

omg that poor man so terrible

R.I.P Alan and Sheba together again xx

lets hope Alan and Sheba are re-united at the rainbow bridge.

so very sad