Advertisement

Maitland youth killed by the train he was trying to catch

A young man was run over by the same train he and his friend were taking a short cut across the tracks to catch in a tragic accident in the the lower Hunter town of Maitland, NSW.

Liam Reeves, 21, and a friend, 19, were trying to get to East Maitland station to catch a train to Newcastle last Friday night but realised the train was not going to stop.

The pair decided to take a short cut along the tracks to the next station, about 750 metres away.

While the pair avoided a westbound freight train which was approaching from around the bend they stepped into the path of the very passenger train they were trying to catch.

Liam was well known in the online gaming community as Sundzhino. Picture: GoFundMe
Liam was well known in the online gaming community as Sundzhino. Picture: GoFundMe

Liam was hit and went under, while his companion was swept aside and miraculously escaped with only minor injuries.

It is believed the driver and guard of the passenger service attempted to help Liam, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His friend suffered bruising and was taken to Maitland Hospital.

A passenger on the train, who knew the two young men, was also treated for extreme shock, the Maitland Mercury reported.

The tragedy has torn apart several families and left train drivers, workers and passengers traumatised.

It has also left a dent in the international cyber gaming community, in which Liam was an active part of. Liam was well known in the online community as ‘Sundzhino’, and was a sponsored player in some games.

Devastated big brother Mark Reeves remembers Liam as a ‘great bloke’ - the most loyal person he’d ever met.

"He would do anything for anyone close to him and put others before himself at any given chance.

"He was a kind, caring and easygoing man who never got into any trouble.

"He will be missed dearly by many of his friends and his family,'' Mark Reeves said.

Liam's friend, family and the cyber gaming community are in shock over his tragic death. Picture: Facebook
Liam's friend, family and the cyber gaming community are in shock over his tragic death. Picture: Facebook

"We are all devastated and in shock and can't believe that this has happened.

"We also express our deepest gratitude for the emergency and rail services who did everything possible to help Liam.

"Our thoughts are with them in dealing with being exposed to such a tragic accident.''

Police transport command officers are preparing a report for the coroner.

The impact has been felt by Cyber Gaming community, which Liam frequented. A Counter-Strike tournament will be held in Liam's honour, with proceeds also being donated to his family.

Liam's mates are in shock over his passing. Picture: Facebook
Liam's mates are in shock over his passing. Picture: Facebook

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to raise money towards funeral costs.

“Liam's family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the gaming community. It is clear that being apart of this community he had made many great friends and memories as Sundzhino,” Mark posted on a GoFundMe page.

Messages have begun to come through from those who remember Liam or his online alias.

Messages of condolences remember Liam. Picture: Facebook
Messages of condolences remember Liam. Picture: Facebook

Joe Vallis wrote: “My deepest sympathies for your loss. Sundz you were a good bloke, always a great game when playing with/against you in ESEA. Rest in Peace”.

Greger Herland said: "Was fun to play with you in Albion Online, Sunday. Rest in piece!"

Nick Nicolaou said: "RIP :("

Related videos: