Airdrie dad’s rail death was tragic accident

Mar 10 2010 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

A YOUNG dad who was killed on the Airdrie to Drumgelloch railway line was the victim of a terrible accident.

Tragic William Reynolds (26), of Gartleahill Road, was struck by a train on Sunday, February 28.

Rumours had swept the town that the accident had been a suicide.

But the Advertiser can reveal that the much-loved Airdrie man was simply taking a short cut home when he met his untimely death.

A source close to William’s family said: “The rumour that William committed suicide is not true. He was walking home and decided to cut across the railway line when he was hit by the train.

“The family are distraught at the moment and can’t talk about it but they want people to know that William did not take his own life. It was an accident and that’s all.”

Family members and friends have left tributes at a spot near the bridge over the railway line on Gartlea Road not far from Morrison’s supermarket.

Bouquets of flowers with handwritten cards lie beside football tops and scarves of William’s favourite football team, Rangers.

All of them show the loss felt by those who loved and cared for the young Airdrie man.

The shrine to William's memory includes messages such as: “A single red rose from each of us, we love you so much and always will. I'll take care of the boys. Love you always. xx” and “Daddy we love you and miss you already. Love you always.”

Messages on other tributes read: “For you wee Wullie, good night”, “Our big pal Wullie, we miss and love you forever”, and “No fritters like your fritters Wullie, miss you loads. Love you.”

There were also messages on Rangers football shirts, which read: “Wullie, simply the best. My blue eyed boy xxx” and “In loving memory William, we won’t forget you xxxx”.

A Celtic scarf has also been tied to the railings with the message “God Bless”.