Tribute paid to Belper skateboarder killed in train crash

Sixteen-year-old Mitchell Rodgers has been named on social media as the victim of a train crash at Belper Train Station at around 10pm on Saturday (March 28).

The teenager was known among skating circles as a dedicated young skater.

Darren Pearcy, of the Rollersnakes skating shop and ramp, in Derby, knew Mitchell for about two years and said he was shocked by the news.

He said: “It’s really sad to hear - it’s horrible.”

Darren, who is himself a skateboarder, struck up a rapport with the teenager because they were both from Belper.

“When you meet people from Belper who skate you instantly have a rapport,” he said.

“Mitchell was a lad who came down to the shop and the ramp.

“He was really willing and really wanted to skate and I’d see him time and time again.

“He was just a really nice lad.”

Darren said Mitchell would often get involved in skating events at Rollersnakes.

“He really gave it a good go every time,” he added.

“When there is a loss in the skateboarding community it’s always a big thing.

“Skateboarders always get behind each other and support each other.

“What’s happened is just a tragedy.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission are currently investigating the incident as police are known to have been following Mitchell moments before the accident.

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