Young man struck by train after being discharged from Chesterfield’s mental health unit

Lewis Smedley – who had a history of mental health issues and was diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder – passed away in the summer of 2018.

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The 22-year-old’s inquest began at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court on Monday.

Coroner Peter Nieto read out a statement from British Transport Police which said Mr Smedley was discharged from the Hartington Unit, a mental health facility, and went to Chesterfield railway station at around 1.30pm on June 11, 2018.

Mr Nieto said: “Staff tried to talk to Lewis and encourage him (to safety).”

However, Mr Smedley, of Chestnut Avenue, Glapwell, was subsequently hit by a train travelling at around 95mph, the inquest heard.

He suffered various serious injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at 2.30pm.

During the inquest, members of Mr Smedley’s family raised a number of issues.

They voiced concerns around his discharge from the Hartington Unit and said they felt there was not a plan in place for helping Mr Smedley, who ‘regularly’ went on to the tracks at Chesterfield railway station.

Mr Smedley’s inquest will examine his contact with mental health services in the lead up to his death.

The inquest continues and is expected to conclude at the end of the week.

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