Partner of Amazon driver, 23, killed in train crash says ‘he was so loved’
The partner of a ‘hardworking’ father killed when a train collided with his van has spoken of her pain.
Brandon Hatcher, 23, died when the Amazon delivery van he was driving was struck at a level crossing in the rural hamlet of Tonge on July 13.
He had just finished delivering to a farm when he got stuck on the level crossing and he was struck by a high-speed train heading to London.
His family said they hoped the tragedy would lead to ‘learnings’ to prevent more deaths.
His partner, Chloe Dell, wrote on Facebook: ‘He was so loved.’
She also shared a link to the fundraising effort, which has so far received £12,837 from hundreds of well-wishers.
The crowdfunder said: ‘We have recently lost our good friend, Brandon, to a tragic accident.
‘Brandon had the biggest heart, he was unintentionally funny, caring and he would have done anything for anyone that needed his help.
‘But most importantly, he was a loving father and the best partner. He was a hard-working family man, who will be terribly missed.
‘Please, help us support his young family through these difficult times.’
It comes after Brandon’s family shared a tribute to the young father.
They said: ‘Brandon was a Dad, Partner, Son, Brother, Grandson and Uncle amongst being a great friend to many who he came into contact with in his life.
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‘His family are deeply saddened by his passing at such a tragically young age in an accident that could have been so easily avoided.
‘We will remember Brandon for his humour, laid back look on life, his smile and love for his family.’
They also said they hoped for ‘learning’ from the incident to prevent ‘this sort of tragedy’ from happening again.
Friends also paid tribute, including Emilia Sudak, who wrote that Brandon was ‘kind, funny and thoughtful’.
Garry Chambers said he had a ‘massive smile’ and called him ‘6ft 5 of gentle giant’.
The collision caused a huge fire in greenery close to the railway at Teynham, Kent, according to footage from the scene.
Philippa Lewis, who said she was on the train when the incident happened, wrote that she was ‘traumatised by what happened’, adding that it was an ‘awful incident’.
Steve White, Southeastern managing director, said the company was “fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened”.
An Amazon spokesperson said: ‘This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
‘We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.’